First frontier
Benchmark Books 2000
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- exploration
- colonization
- cultural exchange
- survival
- migration
- conflict and cooperation
- frontier life
About this book
First Frontier introduces readers to the earliest days of America’s frontier, when Native peoples and newly arrived Europeans met along the Atlantic seaboard and pushed into the continent’s forests and rivers. Clear text, maps, and archival images explain why people ventured into unknown lands, how they survived, and how contact between cultures changed life for everyone. Short chapters and sidebars support research and school reports. A strong choice for grades 4–7 who enjoy early American history and real-life adventure.
Setting: early North America, 1500s–1700s colonial frontier and Native homelands
Frequently Asked Questions
Is First frontier right for my child?
Yes — First frontier is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.6, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include exploration, colonization, cultural exchange.
How long does it take to read First frontier?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, First frontier takes around 30m to finish. The book has 5,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does First frontier have an AR quiz?
Yes — First frontier has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is First frontier?
First frontier has an AR reading level of 6.6, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.