Sally Ride
A Photobiography of America's Pioneering Woman in Space
Macmillan + ORM 2015
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- breaking gender barriers
- STEM and curiosity
- role models and mentorship
- space exploration
- leadership
- education and advocacy
- dreams and ambition
About this book
This photo-rich biography traces Sally Ride’s journey from talented young tennis player to America’s first woman in space. Drawing on personal insights from the author, it highlights Sally’s curiosity, discipline, and lifelong mission to inspire students in science. Readers see how she broke barriers at NASA and later championed STEM education for all. A compelling choice for middle-grade readers who love space, real-life heroes, and inspiring true stories.
Setting: United States (California and NASA), Space Shuttle era, 1960s–2010s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sally Ride right for my child?
Yes — Sally Ride is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.4, which is typical for 7th 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 perseverance, breaking gender barriers, STEM and curiosity.
How long does it take to read Sally Ride?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Sally Ride takes around 3.6h to finish. The book has 38,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Sally Ride have an AR quiz?
Yes — Sally Ride 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 Sally Ride?
Sally Ride has an AR reading level of 7.4, which places it at a 7th 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.