Hail to the Chief
The American Presidency
by Don Robb
Charlesbridge Publishing 2010
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- civics and government
- leadership
- responsibility
- checks and balances
- democracy
- citizenship
- U.S. history
- public service
About this book
This clear, engaging overview explains what the U.S. president does, how the office was created, and how it has changed from George Washington to Barack Obama. With accessible text and strong visuals, it breaks down big ideas like checks and balances, the president’s roles, and how decisions affect everyday life. It’s a great fit for upper-elementary and middle-grade readers studying civics or American history. Kids enjoy how it connects history to today and shows the real responsibilities behind the title.
Setting: United States government and Washington, D.C., from 1789 to the present
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hail to the Chief right for my child?
Yes — Hail to the Chief is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.5, which is typical for 6th 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 civics and government, leadership, responsibility.
How long does it take to read Hail to the Chief?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Hail to the Chief takes around 14m to finish. The book has 2,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hail to the Chief have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hail to the Chief 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 Hail to the Chief?
Hail to the Chief has an AR reading level of 6.5, which places it at a 6th 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.