Story of the Capitol
Cornerstones of Freedom
by Marilyn Prolman
1969
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- civics and government
- architecture and design
- American history
- democracy
- leadership
- national symbols
- perseverance
- community and nation-building
About this book
This illustrated history book traces how the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., was designed, chosen through a contest, and built into the iconic symbol of American democracy. Readers meet figures like George Washington, Pierre L’Enfant, and winning architect William Thornton, and see how the building changed over time. Clear text and archival-style art make complex ideas about government and architecture accessible to elementary and middle-grade readers. Kids enjoy the behind-the-scenes look at how a national landmark took shape and what happens inside it today.
Setting: Washington, D.C., 1790s to present; the U.S. Capitol
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Story of the Capitol right for my child?
Yes — Story of the Capitol is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th 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 civics and government, architecture and design, American history.
How long does it take to read Story of the Capitol?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Story of the Capitol takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Story of the Capitol have an AR quiz?
Yes — Story of the Capitol has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Story of the Capitol?
Story of the Capitol has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th 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.