We Are Your Children Too
Black Students, White Supremacists, and the Battle for America's Schools in Prince Edward County, Virginia
by P. O’Connell Pearson
Simon and Schuster 2024
Great fit for 8th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
Themes include racism and segregation
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Genre
Themes
- civil rights
- racism and segregation
- educational equity
- student activism
- community resilience
- courage
- justice
- hope
About this book
This powerful narrative nonfiction tells the story of Prince Edward County, Virginia, where officials closed public schools rather than integrate after Brown v. Board of Education. Through the voices of Black students, families, and teachers, readers see how a community organized, sacrificed, and persisted to claim the right to an education. Clear storytelling and rich context make complex history accessible to teens while inviting reflection on civic action today. Ideal for middle school and high school readers interested in civil rights, justice, and how young people can spark change.
Setting: Prince Edward County, Virginia, 1950s–1960s (American Civil Rights era)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is We Are Your Children Too right for my child?
Yes — We Are Your Children Too is a great fit for 8th grade. The reading level is AR 8.1, which is typical for 8th 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, racism and segregation, educational equity.
How long does it take to read We Are Your Children Too?
At a typical 8th grade reading pace, We Are Your Children Too takes around 8.1h to finish. The book has 85,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does We Are Your Children Too have an AR quiz?
Yes — We Are Your Children Too has an AR quiz available, worth 12 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 We Are Your Children Too?
We Are Your Children Too has an AR reading level of 8.1, which places it at a 8th 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.