New York's bravest
Knopf Books for Young Readers 2002
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.2 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- heroism
- bravery
- community
- service and sacrifice
- legends and folklore
- resilience
- New York City history
About this book
This picture-book tall tale celebrates the legendary New York City firefighter Mose, a larger-than-life hero who can outrun horses and brave the fiercest blazes. Mary Pope Osborne’s lively storytelling and dramatic illustrations honor the courage and community spirit of firefighters. Young readers will enjoy the humor and heart of a folk hero who always puts others first. It’s a great pick for kids who love action, history, and stories about real-world heroes.
Setting: 19th-century New York City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York's bravest right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for New York's bravest. The reading level is AR 4.2, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include heroism, bravery, community.
How long does it take to read New York's bravest?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, New York's bravest takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does New York's bravest have an AR quiz?
Yes — New York's bravest 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 New York's bravest?
New York's bravest has an AR reading level of 4.2, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.