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We've Got a Job book cover

We've Got a Job

The 1963 Birmingham Children's March

by Cynthia Levinson

2015

Great fit for 6th grade

Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+

6th grade English
6
AR Points
5.7h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Boston Globe–Horn Book HonorJane Addams Children’s Book Award HonorOrbis Pictus HonorParents’ Choice Gold Award

Genre

Nonfiction

Themes

  • civil rights
  • activism
  • courage
  • social justice
  • nonviolent protest
  • youth leadership
  • community
  • perseverance

About this book

This narrative nonfiction tells how thousands of brave kids and teens helped lead the 1963 civil rights protests in Birmingham, Alabama. Through interviews, photos, and firsthand accounts, readers meet four young people who chose nonviolent action to confront segregation. The book offers clear context about the movement while keeping the focus on youth voices and choices. It’s a powerful, accessible read for older middle-grade and teen readers who enjoy real stories of courage and change.

Setting: Birmingham, Alabama, 1963

Frequently Asked Questions

Is We've Got a Job right for my child?

Yes — We've Got a Job is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.8, which is typical for 6th 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, activism, courage.

How long does it take to read We've Got a Job?

At a typical 6th grade reading pace, We've Got a Job takes around 5.7h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does We've Got a Job have an AR quiz?

Yes — We've Got a Job has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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've Got a Job?

We've Got a Job has an AR reading level of 6.8, which places it at a 6th 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.