Take Back the Block
by Chrystal D. Giles
Random House Books for Young Readers 2021
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- community and activism
- gentrification and housing justice
- friendship and loyalty
- identity and belonging
- family
- leadership
- social justice
- finding your voice
About this book
Sixth-grader Wes Henderson would rather focus on sneakers and friends, but when a developer targets his longtime neighborhood, he’s pushed to speak up. With the help of his crew, Wes learns how community, history, and courage can make a difference. This heartfelt, funny, and empowering story introduces activism in an age-appropriate way and celebrates kids finding their voice. Great for readers who enjoy realistic fiction about friendship and standing up for what matters.
Setting: a contemporary urban neighborhood (Kensington Oaks) in the United States
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Take Back the Block right for my child?
Yes — Take Back the Block is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th 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 community and activism, gentrification and housing justice, friendship and loyalty.
How long does it take to read Take Back the Block?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Take Back the Block takes around 5.9h to finish. The book has 53,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Take Back the Block have an AR quiz?
Yes — Take Back the Block 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 Take Back the Block?
Take Back the Block has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th 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.