Josephine
The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker
by Patricia Hruby Powell
Chronicle Books 2014
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include racism and injustice
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- art and performance
- racism and injustice
- identity
- courage
- civil rights
- cultural exchange
- resilience
About this book
Told in vibrant verse with bold, expressive art, this biography traces Josephine Baker’s journey from a poor childhood in St. Louis to stardom on the world’s grandest stages. Readers see how her talent, determination, and joy in performance shattered barriers and made her an icon. The book also highlights her courage as a civil rights advocate, making history accessible and inspiring. Perfect for upper elementary and middle-grade readers who love music, dance, and stories of perseverance.
Setting: St. Louis and Paris, early to mid-20th century
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Josephine right for my child?
Yes — Josephine is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 perseverance, art and performance, racism and injustice.
How long does it take to read Josephine?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Josephine takes around 45m to finish. The book has 7,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Josephine have an AR quiz?
Yes — Josephine has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Josephine?
Josephine has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.