Written in Bone
Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland
Carolrhoda Books ® 2026
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- forensic science
- archaeology
- colonial America
- identity
- scientific inquiry
- evidence and inference
- respect and ethics
- history and culture
About this book
This gripping nonfiction explores how forensic anthropologists study 17th-century skeletons from Jamestown and colonial Maryland to uncover who these people were and how they lived. Through vivid case studies, photographs, and clear explanations, readers see science and history work together like a real-life mystery. It’s ideal for middle school and early high school students who enjoy CSI-style investigation, archaeology, and early American history. Engaging visuals and accessible science make the past feel immediate and exciting without being graphic.
Setting: Jamestown, Virginia, and colonial Maryland burial sites; modern forensic labs at the Smithsonian; 1600s Chesapeake region
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Written in Bone right for my child?
Yes — Written in Bone is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.7, which is typical for 7th 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 forensic science, archaeology, colonial America.
How long does it take to read Written in Bone?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Written in Bone takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 33,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Written in Bone have an AR quiz?
Yes — Written in Bone has an AR quiz available, worth 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 Written in Bone?
Written in Bone has an AR reading level of 7.7, which places it at a 7th 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.