And We Rise
Erica Martin
And We Rise
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Civil Rights Movement in Poems
by Erica Martin
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Imagine a time when standing up for fairness was dangerous but absolutely necessary. This collection of poems shines a bright light on the heroes of the Civil Rights Movement, revealing stories both famous and hidden. It proves that every voice matters in the fight for justice—and that history is still alive today.
Themes
Quick Assessment
And We Rise is a compelling poetry collection that explores the Civil Rights Movement in 1950s-1960s America through evocative verse and historical photographs. Suitable for teens aged 13-18, it offers a nuanced look at both well-known and lesser-known figures, making it a valuable educational resource. The book encourages important conversations about racial justice and history without graphic content, making it appropriate for middle and high school readers.
Why we rated And We Rise 9MS
And We Rise is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 144 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, And We Rise works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate And We Rise as 9MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, And We Rise explores young adult nonfiction, poetry, history, united states, and civil rights movement — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about young adult nonfiction, poetry, history.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9MS — Moderate — SocialLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780593352526
- Pages
- 144
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- 2022
- Type
- Fiction