The Broken Blade
by William Durbin
New York : Bantam Doubleday Dell Pub. 1997
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- responsibility
- coming of age
- teamwork
- courage
- survival
- family
- man vs. nature
About this book
Thirteen-year-old Pierre La Page is thrust into the rugged world of the North West Company after his father is injured, leaving school behind to paddle thousands of miles from Montreal to Grand Portage in 1800. As the youngest voyageur in the brigade, he battles brutal portages, dangerous rapids, and blistered hands while learning the value of teamwork and grit. Along the way, Pierre discovers his own strength and responsibility to his family. Fast-paced and richly detailed, this historical adventure hooks readers who love outdoor survival and true-to-life history.
Setting: the Montreal-to-Grand Portage fur trade route across the Great Lakes, 1800
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Broken Blade right for my child?
Yes — The Broken Blade is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 perseverance, responsibility, coming of age.
How long does it take to read The Broken Blade?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Broken Blade takes around 5.1h to finish. The book has 46,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Broken Blade have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Broken Blade 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 The Broken Blade?
The Broken Blade has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.