Thomas Jefferson
A Picture Book Biography
by James Giblin
Scholastic Inc. 1994
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- leadership
- American Revolution
- democracy and civic ideals
- curiosity and lifelong learning
- public service
- perseverance
- founding of the United States
About this book
This accessible biography introduces Thomas Jefferson as a thoughtful, curious boy who grew into the writer of the Declaration of Independence and the nation’s third president. James Giblin highlights Jefferson’s love of learning, architecture, music, and public service while keeping the history clear for middle-grade readers. Period illustrations and back matter with key dates and quotes support school reports and help kids place events in context. A strong pick for students exploring the American Revolution or early U.S. history.
Setting: colonial and early United States—Virginia (Monticello), Philadelphia, Paris, and Washington, D.C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thomas Jefferson right for my child?
Yes — Thomas Jefferson is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.4, which is typical for 6th 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 leadership, American Revolution, democracy and civic ideals.
How long does it take to read Thomas Jefferson?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Thomas Jefferson takes around 51m to finish. The book has 9,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Thomas Jefferson have an AR quiz?
Yes — Thomas Jefferson has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Thomas Jefferson?
Thomas Jefferson has an AR reading level of 6.4, which places it at a 6th 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.