Tulsa burning
by Anna Myers
Bloomsbury Children's Books 2002
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include racism and injustice
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Genre
Themes
- racism and injustice
- friendship across differences
- courage and moral choices
- family and identity
- forgiveness and redemption
- community and resilience
About this book
Set against the backdrop of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, this historical novel follows a white teen who must confront hard truths about hatred, loyalty, and doing what’s right. When he befriends a Black peer from Tulsa’s Greenwood district, their lives become intertwined as tensions in the city erupt. Readers see history through a personal, relatable lens that raises big questions without overwhelming younger audiences. Ideal for middle-grade readers who like character-driven stories, tough choices, and learning about pivotal moments in American history.
Setting: Tulsa, Oklahoma (Greenwood District), 1921
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tulsa burning right for my child?
Yes — Tulsa burning 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 racism and injustice, friendship across differences, courage and moral choices.
How long does it take to read Tulsa burning?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Tulsa burning takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 39,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tulsa burning have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tulsa burning has an AR quiz available, worth 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 Tulsa burning?
Tulsa burning 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.