I Thought My Soul Would Rise And Fly The Diary Of Patsy A Freed Girl
by Joyce Hansen
Scholastic Inc. 2011
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- freedom and emancipation
- literacy and the power of education
- identity and self-worth
- resilience
- community and family
- hope and renewal
- justice and equality
- reconstruction and change
About this book
Set in 1865 South Carolina, this Dear America diary follows Patsy, a newly freed girl who has secretly learned to read and write. Through her journal, she captures the first uncertain months of freedom—new responsibilities, shifting family ties, and the struggle to build a future after the Civil War. The intimate diary format and rich historical details make the story accessible and engaging for middle-grade readers. Kids are drawn to Patsy’s resilient voice and the empowering theme of how literacy can change a life.
Setting: Mars Bluff, South Carolina, 1865 (Reconstruction era, post–Civil War)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is I Thought My Soul Would Rise And Fly The Diary Of Patsy A Freed Girl right for my child?
Yes — I Thought My Soul Would Rise And Fly The Diary Of Patsy A Freed Girl is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th 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 freedom and emancipation, literacy and the power of education, identity and self-worth.
How long does it take to read I Thought My Soul Would Rise And Fly The Diary Of Patsy A Freed Girl?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, I Thought My Soul Would Rise And Fly The Diary Of Patsy A Freed Girl takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 35,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does I Thought My Soul Would Rise And Fly The Diary Of Patsy A Freed Girl have an AR quiz?
Yes — I Thought My Soul Would Rise And Fly The Diary Of Patsy A Freed Girl has an AR quiz available, worth 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 I Thought My Soul Would Rise And Fly The Diary Of Patsy A Freed Girl?
I Thought My Soul Would Rise And Fly The Diary Of Patsy A Freed Girl has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th 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.