Mississippi trial, 1955
by Chris Crowe
P. Fogelman Books 2008
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include racism
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Genre
Themes
- racism
- justice
- moral courage
- coming of age
- truth and loyalty
- family and identity
- civil rights
- bystanders vs. upstanders
About this book
Set in the Jim Crow South, this historical novel follows a white teenager who returns to Mississippi in the summer of 1955 and becomes entwined in events surrounding the murder of Emmett Till and the ensuing trial. As he reconnects with his grandfather and old friends, he confronts the realities of racism, fear, and moral responsibility. The courtroom drama and fast-paced storytelling make it a gripping read. It’s ideal for teens interested in civil rights history and character-driven stories about doing what’s right.
Setting: Greenwood and Sumner, Mississippi, summer 1955 (Jim Crow era)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mississippi trial, 1955 right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Mississippi trial, 1955. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include racism, justice, moral courage.
How long does it take to read Mississippi trial, 1955?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Mississippi trial, 1955 takes around 6.4h to finish. The book has 63,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mississippi trial, 1955 have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mississippi trial, 1955 has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Mississippi trial, 1955?
Mississippi trial, 1955 has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.