Great African Americans in the arts
by Carlotta Hacker
Crabtree Pub. Co. 1997
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- artistic expression
- civil rights and social change
- identity and representation
- role models and leadership
- overcoming adversity
- African American history
- cultural heritage
About this book
This photo-filled nonfiction book profiles notable African American artists across music, visual arts, theater, and dance. Short chapters highlight each person’s achievements, challenges, and impact on American culture, with timelines and sidebars that add helpful context. It’s a clear, engaging introduction for middle-grade readers interested in the arts and Black history. Kids enjoy the bite-size biographies and inspiring stories of creativity and perseverance.
Setting: United States across multiple eras, spanning music, visual arts, theater, and dance
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Great African Americans in the arts right for my child?
Yes — Great African Americans in the arts is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.2, which is typical for 7th 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 perseverance, artistic expression, civil rights and social change.
How long does it take to read Great African Americans in the arts?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Great African Americans in the arts takes around 1.1h to finish. The book has 11,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Great African Americans in the arts have an AR quiz?
Yes — Great African Americans in the arts has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Great African Americans in the arts?
Great African Americans in the arts has an AR reading level of 7.2, which places it at a 7th 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.