Woke
A Young Poet's Call to Justice
by Mahogany L. Browne, Elizabeth Acevedo, Olivia Gatwood
Roaring Brook Press 2020
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- social justice
- activism
- identity
- empathy
- equality
- community
- courage
- using your voice
About this book
This collection of powerful, accessible poems invites kids to think about fairness, identity, and speaking up for themselves and others. Written by acclaimed women poets, the book explores empathy, inclusion, and activism in language that sparks discussion and confidence. Vibrant artwork and strong, rhythmic lines make it engaging for read-alouds and classroom conversations. Perfect for middle-grade readers ready to find their voice and make a difference.
Setting: contemporary United States; everyday communities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Woke right for my child?
Yes — Woke is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 social justice, activism, identity.
How long does it take to read Woke?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Woke takes around 6m to finish. The book has 1,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Woke have an AR quiz?
Yes — Woke 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 Woke?
Woke has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.