John Muir
America's First Environmentalist
by Kathryn Lasky, Stan Fellows
Candlewick Press 2014
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include environmental stewardship
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Genre
Themes
- environmental stewardship
- nature and wilderness
- perseverance
- exploration
- advocacy and activism
- curiosity
- American history
- inspiration
About this book
This picture-book biography traces John Muir’s journey from a curious Scottish boy to a passionate naturalist who helped protect Yosemite and shape America’s national parks. Kathryn Lasky’s lyrical text and Stan Fellows’s watercolor art immerse readers in Muir’s adventures and love of wild places. It’s a great fit for upper elementary and middle grade readers who enjoy real-life stories of explorers and changemakers. Kids are drawn to Muir’s awe for nature and his determination to speak up for the wilderness.
Setting: Scotland and the American West (Sierra Nevada and Yosemite), late 19th century
Frequently Asked Questions
Is John Muir right for my child?
Yes — John Muir is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.9, which is typical for 6th 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 environmental stewardship, nature and wilderness, perseverance.
How long does it take to read John Muir?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, John Muir takes around 27m to finish. The book has 4,800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does John Muir have an AR quiz?
Yes — John Muir 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 John Muir?
John Muir has an AR reading level of 6.9, which places it at a 6th 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.