Six Days in October
The Stock Market Crash of 1929; A Wall Street Journal Book for Children
Simon and Schuster 2002
Great fit for High School
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- boom and bust cycles
- speculation and risk
- cause and effect
- panic and herd behavior
- media influence
- economic inequality
- ethics in finance
- resilience
About this book
This engaging nonfiction book recounts the six tumultuous days surrounding the 1929 stock market crash, using newspaper headlines, photos, and first‑person accounts to bring history to life. Karen Blumenthal explains how the market worked, why speculation spiraled, and how panic rippled through Wall Street and beyond. Clear explanations of financial terms and vivid storytelling make complex ideas accessible. It’s a compelling choice for middle schoolers and up who enjoy real-world history, economics, and dramatic true events.
Setting: Wall Street, New York City, October 1929
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Six Days in October right for my child?
Yes — Six Days in October is a great fit for High School. The reading level is AR 9.3, which is typical for High School. 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 boom and bust cycles, speculation and risk, cause and effect.
How long does it take to read Six Days in October?
At a typical High School reading pace, Six Days in October takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 47,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Six Days in October have an AR quiz?
Yes — Six Days in October 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 Six Days in October?
Six Days in October has an AR reading level of 9.3, which places it at a High School 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.