James A. Garfield
by Dee Lillegard
Children's Press (CT) 1987
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- leadership
- perseverance
- education and self-improvement
- public service
- American history
- integrity
- civic responsibility
- social mobility
About this book
This accessible biography traces James A. Garfield’s path from a humble Ohio childhood to scholar, Civil War officer, congressman, and finally the 20th president. Clear chapters, archival photos, and sidebars place his life in the context of a changing nation. It’s well-suited for reports and for readers who enjoy true stories about leadership and determination. Middle-grade history fans will appreciate how the book explains big ideas in a straightforward way.
Setting: United States (Ohio and Washington, D.C.), mid-to-late 1800s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is James A. Garfield right for my child?
Yes — James A. Garfield is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.1, which is typical for 7th 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 leadership, perseverance, education and self-improvement.
How long does it take to read James A. Garfield?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, James A. Garfield takes around 1.2h to finish. The book has 13,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does James A. Garfield have an AR quiz?
Yes — James A. Garfield has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 James A. Garfield?
James A. Garfield has an AR reading level of 7.1, which places it at a 7th 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.