Maritcha
A Nineteenth-Century American Girl
by Tonya Bolden
Abrams 2015
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- racial injustice
- family and community
- education and equality
- identity
- courage
- resilience
- American history
About this book
This award-winning picture-book biography follows Maritcha Rémond Lyons, a free Black girl growing up in 19th-century New York City. Drawn from Maritcha’s own memoir, it reveals everyday childhood moments alongside historic events and the challenges she faced because of racism. Archival photos and documents bring her world to life, showing how determination and family support helped her pursue an education. It’s a powerful, accessible introduction to American history for upper elementary readers who enjoy real stories about courageous kids.
Setting: New York City and Providence, Rhode Island, mid-19th century (pre–Civil War through Reconstruction)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maritcha right for my child?
Yes — Maritcha is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.1, 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 perseverance, racial injustice, family and community.
How long does it take to read Maritcha?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Maritcha takes around 30m to finish. The book has 5,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Maritcha have an AR quiz?
Yes — Maritcha 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 Maritcha?
Maritcha has an AR reading level of 6.1, 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.