We Sing From the Heart
How The Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court
by Mia Wenjen
Abrams 2024
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include racism and discrimination
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Genre
Themes
- free speech
- identity and self-definition
- activism and protest
- perseverance
- justice and the law
- racism and discrimination
- music and art as activism
- empowerment
About this book
This narrative nonfiction picture book follows musician Simon Tam and his band, The Slants, as they reclaim a word meant to hurt and turn it into a statement of pride. When the government challenges their name, Simon begins an eight-year legal journey that reaches the Supreme Court. Clear, accessible text and dynamic art show how music, identity, and the law can intersect. Perfect for upper elementary and middle grade readers who like true stories about standing up for what’s right and using your voice to make change.
Setting: contemporary United States, from the West Coast music scene to Washington, D.C., Supreme Court
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is We Sing From the Heart right for my child?
Yes — We Sing From the Heart is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th 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 free speech, identity and self-definition, activism and protest.
How long does it take to read We Sing From the Heart?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, We Sing From the Heart takes around 12m to finish. The book has 2,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does We Sing From the Heart have an AR quiz?
Yes — We Sing From the Heart 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 We Sing From the Heart?
We Sing From the Heart has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th 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.