Friedrich
Penguin 1987
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.8 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- prejudice
- antisemitism
- injustice
- courage
- bystander vs. upstander
- loss
- coming of age
About this book
Told through the eyes of a German boy, this powerful novel follows his friendship with Friedrich, a Jewish neighbor, as their lives change under the rise of Nazi rule. Short chapters and clear prose make a difficult subject accessible to middle-grade readers. The story invites thoughtful discussion about empathy, fairness, and the choices people make in hard times. A compelling historical read for students ready to grapple with big questions.
Setting: Nazi Germany, early 1930s–1940s, primarily an urban apartment building and town
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Friedrich right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Friedrich. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th 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 friendship, prejudice, antisemitism.
How long does it take to read Friedrich?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Friedrich takes around 3.8h to finish. The book has 34,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Friedrich have an AR quiz?
Yes — Friedrich has an AR quiz available, worth 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 Friedrich?
Friedrich has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th 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.