The Flag with Fifty-six Stars
A Gift from the Survivors of Mauthausen
2005
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include World War II
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Genre
Themes
- resilience
- hope
- gratitude
- courage
- resistance
- human dignity
- liberation
- World War II
About this book
This nonfiction picture book tells the true story of a U.S. flag secretly sewn by prisoners at the Mauthausen concentration camp and presented to American liberators in May 1945. Through clear text and evocative paintings, readers learn how a simple act of courage and gratitude became a powerful symbol of hope. It’s an accessible entry point for upper elementary and middle-grade readers studying World War II and the Holocaust. Families and classrooms value it for its sensitive handling of difficult history and its uplifting focus on humanity and resilience.
Setting: Mauthausen concentration camp, Austria, May 1945
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Flag with Fifty-six Stars right for my child?
Yes — The Flag with Fifty-six Stars is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.7, 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 resilience, hope, gratitude.
How long does it take to read The Flag with Fifty-six Stars?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Flag with Fifty-six Stars takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Flag with Fifty-six Stars have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Flag with Fifty-six Stars 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 The Flag with Fifty-six Stars?
The Flag with Fifty-six Stars has an AR reading level of 5.7, 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.