Growing Up in Coal Country
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 1996
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- child labor
- workers’ rights
- family and community
- courage
- resilience
- industrialization
- social justice
- perseverance
About this book
This photo-rich nonfiction book explores what life was like for children and families in coal mining towns during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Using primary sources—letters, interviews, newspaper accounts, and archival photographs—Susan Campbell Bartoletti shows the dangerous work, long hours, and close-knit communities that defined coal country. Readers learn how kids helped support their families, the risks miners faced underground, and how workers organized for change. It’s a powerful pick for history lovers and students interested in social justice and everyday life in America’s past.
Setting: coal mining towns in Pennsylvania and Appalachia, late 19th to early 20th century United States
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Growing Up in Coal Country right for my child?
Yes — Growing Up in Coal Country is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.3, 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 child labor, workers’ rights, family and community.
How long does it take to read Growing Up in Coal Country?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Growing Up in Coal Country takes around 1.9h to finish. The book has 20,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Growing Up in Coal Country have an AR quiz?
Yes — Growing Up in Coal Country 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 Growing Up in Coal Country?
Growing Up in Coal Country has an AR reading level of 7.3, 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.