Radical Red
by Duffy, James
Scribner's 1993
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- workers’ rights
- courage
- social justice
- immigrant experience
- family responsibility
- friendship
- activism
- identity
About this book
Set in an early-1900s New England mill town, Radical Red follows a teenage immigrant who works long hours in a textile factory and begins to see the cost of injustice all around her. Drawn into the rising labor movement, she must decide whether to keep her head down or risk everything to speak up for fair pay and safety. With friendships tested and family depending on her, she learns what courage looks like in everyday life. Readers who enjoy history, strong heroines, and stories about standing up for what’s right will be pulled in.
Setting: a New England textile mill town, early 1910s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Radical Red right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Radical Red. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 workers’ rights, courage, social justice.
How long does it take to read Radical Red?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Radical Red takes around 4.8h to finish. The book has 48,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Radical Red have an AR quiz?
Yes — Radical Red has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Radical Red?
Radical Red has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.