My Brother Sam Is Dead
by James Lincoln Collier, J Collier
AudioGO 1985
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Themes include war and its consequences
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Genre
Themes
- family and loyalty
- war and its consequences
- coming of age
- freedom and independence
- moral choices
- courage
- loss
- identity
About this book
Set during the American Revolution, this classic follows Tim Meeker, a Connecticut boy caught between his Loyalist father and his Patriot brother, Sam. As the war creeps into their town, Tim must make difficult choices about loyalty, bravery, and right and wrong. The story brings the era’s tensions to life while staying accessible to middle school readers. Kids are drawn to its fast-moving plot, realistic characters, and thought‑provoking look at the true cost of war.
Setting: Redding, Connecticut during the American Revolutionary War (late 1770s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Brother Sam Is Dead right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for My Brother Sam Is Dead. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th 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 family and loyalty, war and its consequences, coming of age.
How long does it take to read My Brother Sam Is Dead?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, My Brother Sam Is Dead takes around 6.7h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My Brother Sam Is Dead have an AR quiz?
Yes — My Brother Sam Is Dead has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 My Brother Sam Is Dead?
My Brother Sam Is Dead has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th 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.