The Port Chicago 50
Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights (National Book Award Finalist)
Roaring Brook Press 2014
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- civil rights
- racial injustice
- courage
- activism
- justice and the law
- patriotism and protest
- brotherhood and loyalty
- moral courage
About this book
This riveting nonfiction book tells the true story of a deadly 1944 explosion at a segregated Navy base in California and the young Black sailors who questioned the unsafe, unfair conditions they faced. Steve Sheinkin weaves fast-paced history, photos, and firsthand accounts into an accessible narrative that reads like a thriller. It’s perfect for tweens and teens who enjoy real-life stories about courage and justice. Readers come away inspired to think critically about fairness, leadership, and the power of speaking up.
Setting: Port Chicago Naval Magazine, California, 1944–1945; U.S. Navy training grounds and military courts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Port Chicago 50 right for my child?
Yes — The Port Chicago 50 is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.7, which is typical for 6th 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 civil rights, racial injustice, courage.
How long does it take to read The Port Chicago 50?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Port Chicago 50 takes around 3.8h to finish. The book has 40,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Port Chicago 50 have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Port Chicago 50 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 Port Chicago 50?
The Port Chicago 50 has an AR reading level of 6.7, which places it at a 6th 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.