Standing Against the Wind
by Traci L. Jones
Farrar, Straus & Giroux 2010
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.7 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- resilience
- self-advocacy
- bullying and safety
- poverty and hardship
- mentorship and support
- education and ambition
- family and responsibility
- hope
About this book
Patrice Williams has moved to a tough Chicago neighborhood to live with a strict aunt, where she keeps her head down and dreams of something better. When a teacher encourages her to apply for a competitive scholarship, Patrice must find her voice and the courage to stand up for herself. The story explores the power of education, mentorship, and self-belief in the face of bullying and poverty. Readers are drawn to Patrice’s quiet strength and the hopeful, realistic path she forges for herself.
Setting: contemporary South Side Chicago, urban neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Standing Against the Wind right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Standing Against the Wind. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th 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 resilience, self-advocacy, bullying and safety.
How long does it take to read Standing Against the Wind?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Standing Against the Wind takes around 5.8h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Standing Against the Wind have an AR quiz?
Yes — Standing Against the Wind 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 Standing Against the Wind?
Standing Against the Wind has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th 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.