Freedom Crossing
Scholastic Inc. 2017
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- empathy
- abolition and justice
- family loyalty
- moral choice
- friendship
- freedom
- identity and values
About this book
Set in pre–Civil War New York along the Niagara River, Freedom Crossing follows Laura, a girl returning from the South who discovers her family is secretly helping people escape slavery. Torn between what she’s been taught and what she sees, Laura must decide where she stands as danger closes in. The story blends suspense and history with relatable characters, making it a strong choice for grades 4–7. Kids are drawn to its fast-paced rescue scenes and the moral courage at the heart of the tale.
Setting: western New York along the Niagara River, 1850s (Underground Railroad routes to Canada)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Freedom Crossing right for my child?
Yes — Freedom Crossing is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th 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 courage, empathy, abolition and justice.
How long does it take to read Freedom Crossing?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Freedom Crossing takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 31,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Freedom Crossing have an AR quiz?
Yes — Freedom Crossing has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Freedom Crossing?
Freedom Crossing has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th 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.