Witness
by Karen Hesse
Scholastic 2019
Strange New Worlds
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- prejudice and intolerance
- courage and moral choice
- community and belonging
- identity and voice
- justice and activism
- fear and power
- empathy and perspective-taking
About this book
Told in free verse through the voices of eleven townspeople, Witness follows a small Vermont community in 1924 as the Ku Klux Klan tries to take root. Readers see how fear, prejudice, and courage ripple through neighbors and families, including two young girls who observe the changes around them. The poetic format makes the story approachable while inviting powerful discussion about history and moral choice. Ideal for middle schoolers ready to think critically about justice, community, and standing up for what’s right.
Setting: a small town in Vermont, 1924
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Witness right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Witness. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th 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 prejudice and intolerance, courage and moral choice, community and belonging.
How long does it take to read Witness?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Witness takes around 1.2h to finish. The book has 12,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Witness have an AR quiz?
Yes — Witness has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Witness?
Witness has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th 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.