New York Times v. United States
by D. J. Herda
Enslow Publishers 2010
Great fit for 8th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- freedom of the press
- civil liberties
- government transparency
- national security vs. public interest
- ethics and whistleblowing
- rule of law
- civic engagement
- constitutional rights
About this book
This concise nonfiction title traces the story behind the famous Pentagon Papers court battle and what it meant for the First Amendment. Readers learn how reporters, government officials, and lawyers clashed over national security and the public’s right to know. Clear explanations, primary-source excerpts, and case summaries help students follow the arguments on both sides and understand how the Supreme Court works. A strong choice for research, civics classes, and budding journalists.
Setting: United States (New York City and Washington, D.C.), late 1960s–1971
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York Times v. United States right for my child?
Yes — New York Times v. United States is a great fit for 8th grade. The reading level is AR 8.6, which is typical for 8th 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 freedom of the press, civil liberties, government transparency.
How long does it take to read New York Times v. United States?
At a typical 8th grade reading pace, New York Times v. United States takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 21,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does New York Times v. United States have an AR quiz?
Yes — New York Times v. United States 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 New York Times v. United States?
New York Times v. United States has an AR reading level of 8.6, which places it at a 8th 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.