Which Way Freedom?
by Joyce Hansen
Tandem Library 1992
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include war and survival
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Genre
Themes
- freedom
- courage
- resilience
- slavery and emancipation
- loyalty
- identity
- war and survival
About this book
In this Civil War story, a young enslaved boy named Obi makes a daring bid for freedom and finds his way to Union lines along the South Carolina coast. As he navigates danger, tough choices, and new responsibilities, he learns what freedom truly means. Rich historical detail and a fast-moving plot make this a strong pick for middle-grade readers who enjoy adventure and history. It’s an inspiring read about courage, hope, and finding your place in a changing world.
Setting: coastal South Carolina and the Union-held Sea Islands during the American Civil War (1861–1865)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Which Way Freedom? right for my child?
Yes — Which Way Freedom? is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 freedom, courage, resilience.
How long does it take to read Which Way Freedom??
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Which Way Freedom? takes around 3.2h to finish. The book has 29,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Which Way Freedom? have an AR quiz?
Yes — Which Way Freedom? has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Which Way Freedom??
Which Way Freedom? has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.