Freedom Over Me
Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan
by Ashley Bryan
Simon and Schuster 2016
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- slavery
- human dignity
- identity
- resilience
- dreams and aspirations
- injustice
- hope
- community
About this book
Using the real inventory of an 1828 plantation, Ashley Bryan imagines the lives and dreams of eleven enslaved people, giving each a voice that celebrates their humanity. Told in lyrical poems and portraits, the book contrasts the prices owners assigned with the priceless hopes each person carried. It’s a powerful, accessible introduction to the history of American slavery for upper elementary and middle-grade readers. Kids and classes are drawn to the vivid artwork, the short, moving poems, and the way each voice feels personal and memorable.
Setting: An American Southern plantation, 1828
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Freedom Over Me right for my child?
Yes — Freedom Over Me is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, 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 slavery, human dignity, identity.
How long does it take to read Freedom Over Me?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Freedom Over Me takes around 20m to finish. The book has 3,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Freedom Over Me have an AR quiz?
Yes — Freedom Over Me 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 Freedom Over Me?
Freedom Over Me has an AR reading level of 4.3, 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.