Henry's freedom box
by Ellen Levine, Ellen Levine, Kadir Nelson
Weston Woods Studios 2016
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- freedom
- courage
- perseverance
- family
- hope
- ingenuity
- resilience
- slavery and emancipation
About this book
This picture book tells the true story of Henry Brown, a boy born into slavery who dreams of a life where families can’t be sold apart. After a heartbreaking loss, Henry finds the courage to attempt a daring escape to freedom. Ellen Levine’s clear, moving text pairs with Kadir Nelson’s powerful art to bring history to life for young readers. It’s an inspiring introduction to the Underground Railroad and the strength of the human spirit.
Setting: Antebellum American South and Philadelphia, 1840s; Underground Railroad
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Henry's freedom box right for my child?
Yes — Henry's freedom box is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3, which is typical for 3rd 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 freedom, courage, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Henry's freedom box?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Henry's freedom box takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Henry's freedom box have an AR quiz?
Yes — Henry's freedom box 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's freedom box?
Henry's freedom box has an AR reading level of 3, which places it at a 3rd 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.