Henry Aaron's dream
by Matt Tavares
Candlewick 2012
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.7 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
Themes include racism and segregation
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- racism and segregation
- dreams and goals
- courage
- resilience
- sportsmanship
- breaking barriers
- hope
About this book
This picture-book biography follows young Henry “Hank” Aaron as he dreams of playing baseball at the highest level despite poverty and the barriers of segregation. With evocative illustrations, Matt Tavares shows how practice, perseverance, and belief carried Henry from sandlots to the big leagues. It’s an inspiring, age-appropriate introduction to a baseball legend and the history around him. Perfect for sports fans and readers who enjoy true stories about overcoming obstacles.
Setting: Jim Crow–era American South and professional baseball parks, 1940s–1950s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Henry Aaron's dream right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Henry Aaron's dream. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include perseverance, racism and segregation, dreams and goals.
How long does it take to read Henry Aaron's dream?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Henry Aaron's dream takes around 11m to finish. The book has 1,700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Henry Aaron's dream have an AR quiz?
Yes — Henry Aaron's dream 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 Henry Aaron's dream?
Henry Aaron's dream has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.