Up & Down
The Adventures of John Jeffries, First American to Fly
by Don Brown
Charlesbridge Publishing 2018
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.7 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- ingenuity
- perseverance
- problem-solving
- scientific curiosity
- adventure
- history of flight
- risk-taking
- teamwork and rivalry
About this book
This lively picture book biography follows Dr. John Jeffries, a curious American scientist caught up in the 1780s balloon craze. Determined to make a daring flight over the English Channel, he faces leaky equipment, shifting winds, and a less-than-helpful copilot. Don Brown blends humor with history to show clever problem-solving in the face of real danger. It’s a fun, high-flying introduction to early aviation that appeals to young readers who love true adventure.
Setting: England and the English Channel, 1780s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Up & Down right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Up & Down. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include ingenuity, perseverance, problem-solving.
How long does it take to read Up & Down?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Up & Down takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,300 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Up & Down have an AR quiz?
Yes — Up & Down has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Up & Down?
Up & Down has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.