Free At Last
by Sara Bullard
Oxford University Press 1993
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
Themes include nonviolence
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- civil rights
- social justice
- courage
- activism
- nonviolence
- community
- perseverance
- equality
About this book
This photo-rich history traces the U.S. Civil Rights Movement from the Brown v. Board of Education decision through landmark protests, legislation, and the everyday people who pushed for change. Clear, accessible text and powerful archival images help readers understand key events, leaders, and the risks many took for justice. It’s designed for middle school readers and supportive of social studies units. Kids are drawn to the vivid photographs, concise chapters, and real voices from the era.
Setting: United States during the Civil Rights era (1950s–1960s)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Free At Last right for my child?
Yes — Free At Last is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include civil rights, social justice, courage.
How long does it take to read Free At Last?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Free At Last takes around 1.2h to finish. The book has 13,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Free At Last have an AR quiz?
Yes — Free At Last has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Free At Last?
Free At Last has an AR reading level of 7, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.