Kids at Work
Lewis Hine and the Crusade Against Child Labor
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 1994
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- social justice
- activism
- human rights
- courage
- the power of photography
- workers’ rights
- empathy
- history and reform
About this book
This powerful photo-essay biography introduces readers to Lewis Hine, the pioneering photographer who used his camera to expose child labor in early 20th-century America. Russell Freedman pairs clear, engaging text with Hine’s haunting images to show how one person’s persistence helped spark social change. It’s ideal for strong upper–elementary and middle school readers interested in history, social justice, or photography. Kids are drawn in by the striking photographs and stay for the inspiring story of activism and reform.
Setting: United States, early 1900s factories, mills, mines, and city streets
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kids at Work right for my child?
Yes — Kids at Work is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.7, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include social justice, activism, human rights.
How long does it take to read Kids at Work?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Kids at Work takes around 1.4h to finish. The book has 15,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Kids at Work have an AR quiz?
Yes — Kids at Work has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Kids at Work?
Kids at Work has an AR reading level of 7.7, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.