Lasalle and the Exploration of the Mississippi (Explorers of the New Worlds)
by Dan Harmon
Tandem Library 2001
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- exploration
- leadership
- perseverance
- ambition
- encounters between cultures
- navigation and mapping
- survival
- colonization
About this book
This accessible biography follows René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, as he searches for a route down the Mississippi and expands France’s claims in North America. Readers see the risks of river travel, harsh weather, and tense encounters with Native nations, along with the planning and leadership needed to explore unknown territory. Maps, photos, and sidebars help explain the history and geography behind the journey. It’s a solid pick for middle-grade students who enjoy real-life adventure and need clear sources for reports.
Setting: Great Lakes and Mississippi River Valley to the Gulf of Mexico, late 1600s New France
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lasalle and the Exploration of the Mississippi (Explorers of the New Worlds) right for my child?
Yes — Lasalle and the Exploration of the Mississippi (Explorers of the New Worlds) is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.8, 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 exploration, leadership, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Lasalle and the Exploration of the Mississippi (Explorers of the New Worlds)?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Lasalle and the Exploration of the Mississippi (Explorers of the New Worlds) takes around 54m to finish. The book has 9,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Lasalle and the Exploration of the Mississippi (Explorers of the New Worlds) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Lasalle and the Exploration of the Mississippi (Explorers of the New Worlds) 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 Lasalle and the Exploration of the Mississippi (Explorers of the New Worlds)?
Lasalle and the Exploration of the Mississippi (Explorers of the New Worlds) has an AR reading level of 6.8, 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.