Furman v. Georgia
by D. J. Herda
Enslow Pub. 1994
Great fit for High School
Reading level and content both target 9th–12th grade · ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- justice
- constitutional rights
- capital punishment
- equality under the law
- ethics and morality
- civil liberties
- power of the courts
- law and society
About this book
This nonfiction title explores the landmark 1972 Supreme Court case Furman v. Georgia, which challenged how the death penalty was being applied in the United States. D. J. Herda traces the crime, the appeals, and the competing arguments before the Court, then explains the justices’ reasoning in clear, student-friendly language. It’s a strong choice for research, debate prep, or civics classes, especially for teens interested in law and public policy. Readers are drawn to its real-world stakes and the big questions it raises about fairness, punishment, and constitutional rights.
Setting: U.S. Supreme Court and American legal system, late 1960s–early 1970s; Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Furman v. Georgia right for my child?
Yes — Furman v. Georgia is a great fit for High School. The reading level is AR 9.2, which is typical for High School. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include justice, constitutional rights, capital punishment.
How long does it take to read Furman v. Georgia?
At a typical High School reading pace, Furman v. Georgia takes around 1.5h to finish. The book has 22,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Furman v. Georgia have an AR quiz?
Yes — Furman v. Georgia has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Furman v. Georgia?
Furman v. Georgia has an AR reading level of 9.2, which places it at a High School reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.