My Name is Not Angelica
by Scott O'Dell
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 1989
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- slavery and freedom
- identity and names
- resistance and rebellion
- courage
- injustice
- survival
- cultural heritage
- hope
About this book
Captured from her home in Senegal and renamed Angelica, a courageous young girl is sold into slavery on the Danish island of St. John. Through her eyes, readers experience the harsh realities of plantation life and the growing unrest that leads to the 1733–1734 uprising. Scott O’Dell blends rich historical detail with a personal, heartfelt narrative about identity and resilience. Ideal for middle school readers ready for thoughtful historical fiction with strong, empathetic characters.
Setting: St. John, Danish West Indies (Caribbean), 1733–1734
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Name is Not Angelica right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for My Name is Not Angelica. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th 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 slavery and freedom, identity and names, resistance and rebellion.
How long does it take to read My Name is Not Angelica?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, My Name is Not Angelica takes around 3.2h to finish. The book has 32,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My Name is Not Angelica have an AR quiz?
Yes — My Name is Not Angelica has an AR quiz available, worth 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 My Name is Not Angelica?
My Name is Not Angelica has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th 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.