My family shall be free!

Dennis B. Fradin

Cover of My family shall be free!

My family shall be free!

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

The Life of Peter Still

by Dennis B. Fradin

Reading Level 4-5 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

Peter Still was not just any slave—he was a hero who fought with courage to win his family's freedom. After decades of hardship, he reunited with his long-lost family and risked everything to bring his loved ones out of slavery. His story shows how bravery and hope can change lives forever.

Themes

FamilyHistoryCouragePerseveranceAfrican American Biography

Quick Assessment

This nonfiction narrative follows Peter Still, an African American man who endured over forty years of slavery before buying his freedom and reuniting with his family. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book explores themes of courage, perseverance, and family bonds amid the harsh realities of slavery. The story handles difficult historical topics with sensitivity, making it an educational and inspiring read for middle-grade readers.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Emotional: Loss & Grief Emotional: Fear & Anxiety Social: Slavery & Historical Injustice
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

190 pages
ISBN
9780060293284
Pages
190
Publisher
HarperCollins
Published
2001
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

Still, Peter,B. 1801Still FamilySlavesAfrican AmericansSlaveryAutobiographyUnited StatesBiography & AutobiographyCultural HeritagePeople & PlacesAfrican-AmericanHistoricalPeople of ColorEthnicKentucky19th CenturyAfrican Americans, BiographyStill, PeterSlavery, History

People

Peter Still (b. 1801)Still family