Jack Strong Takes a Stand
A Charlie Joe Jackson Book
Roaring Brook Press 2013
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- over-scheduling
- self-advocacy
- family dynamics
- friendship
- school pressure
- activism/protest
- balance and time management
- humor
About this book
Jack Strong is a regular kid with anything but a regular schedule—his parents have loaded him up with sports, music, lessons, and more. Tired of being overscheduled, Jack stages a sit-in on his couch until he’s allowed to cut back. His stand sparks conversations at home and school about balance, choice, and what it means to be well-rounded. With plenty of humor and heart, this is a great pick for middle grade readers who like laugh-out-loud school stories with a relatable message.
Setting: contemporary suburban home and middle school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jack Strong Takes a Stand right for my child?
Yes — Jack Strong Takes a Stand is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th 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 over-scheduling, self-advocacy, family dynamics.
How long does it take to read Jack Strong Takes a Stand?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Jack Strong Takes a Stand takes around 3.7h to finish. The book has 33,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Jack Strong Takes a Stand have an AR quiz?
Yes — Jack Strong Takes a Stand 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 Jack Strong Takes a Stand?
Jack Strong Takes a Stand has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th 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.