Gerald Ford
by Joseph, Paul
Abdo Pub. 2000
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- leadership
- integrity
- public service
- American history
- government and civics
- resilience
- crisis and recovery
About this book
This concise biography introduces readers to Gerald R. Ford, the 38th president of the United States, from his Midwestern beginnings to his unexpected rise to the presidency. Clear text, photos, and timelines explain key moments of the 1970s and Ford’s focus on honesty and healing. It’s written for elementary and middle-grade readers who are starting to explore U.S. history and the presidency. Kids enjoy the straightforward chapters and helpful sidebars that make complex events easy to understand.
Setting: United States, especially Michigan and Washington, D.C., 1910s–1970s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gerald Ford right for my child?
Yes — Gerald Ford is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.4, 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 leadership, integrity, public service.
How long does it take to read Gerald Ford?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Gerald Ford takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Gerald Ford have an AR quiz?
Yes — Gerald Ford 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 Gerald Ford?
Gerald Ford has an AR reading level of 4.4, 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.