Rhythm Ride
A Road Trip Through the Motown Sound
Macmillan + ORM 2015
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- music and culture
- entrepreneurship
- civil rights and social change
- perseverance
- teamwork and collaboration
- creativity and innovation
- identity and pride
- American history
About this book
Climb aboard for a narrated road trip through the rise of Motown, from Berry Gordy’s Detroit garage studio to the national stage. Andrea Davis Pinkney spotlights young talents like Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross as their music helps soundtrack a changing America. With lively voice and rich historical context, the book connects the beats kids love to the civil rights era and the power of creativity and teamwork. Perfect for music fans and history buffs in middle grades, it’s an energetic, photo-filled ride that makes the story of Motown sing.
Setting: Detroit and across the United States during the 1960s–1970s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rhythm Ride right for my child?
Yes — Rhythm Ride is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.6, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include music and culture, entrepreneurship, civil rights and social change.
How long does it take to read Rhythm Ride?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Rhythm Ride takes around 3.6h to finish. The book has 38,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Rhythm Ride have an AR quiz?
Yes — Rhythm Ride 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 Rhythm Ride?
Rhythm Ride has an AR reading level of 6.6, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.