Make way for Sam Houston
by Jean Fritz
Putnam 1986
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- leadership
- identity
- independence
- perseverance
- frontier life
- cross-cultural understanding
- courage
- politics and power
About this book
Jean Fritz’s lively biography introduces Sam Houston as a bold, complicated leader who helped shape Texas history. From his frontier boyhood and time among the Cherokee to his dramatic role in the Texas Revolution, readers see the man behind the legend. Written with humor and clear storytelling, it brings big moments in American history to life without getting bogged down. Great for middle-grade readers who enjoy adventure, real-life heroes, and U.S. history.
Setting: the American South and Texas frontier, early to mid-1800s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Make way for Sam Houston right for my child?
Yes — Make way for Sam Houston is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.7, 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 leadership, identity, independence.
How long does it take to read Make way for Sam Houston?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Make way for Sam Houston takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 21,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Make way for Sam Houston have an AR quiz?
Yes — Make way for Sam Houston 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 Make way for Sam Houston?
Make way for Sam Houston has an AR reading level of 6.7, 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.