Whose Side are You On?
by Emily Moore
Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR) 1988
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- activism and protest
- family dynamics
- loyalty
- community
- justice and fairness
- prejudice
- identity
About this book
When Barbara’s new friend, T. J. Brodie, suddenly disappears, she suspects his stern grandfather has sent him away and decides to take a stand. Her protest draws the neighborhood’s attention and forces Barbara to weigh loyalty against the complicated realities of family and responsibility. This realistic story blends mystery, community drama, and activism through a strong, relatable voice. It’s a good fit for readers who enjoy standing-up-for-what’s-right stories and character-driven plots.
Setting: contemporary urban neighborhood in the United States, 1980s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whose Side are You On? right for my child?
Yes — Whose Side are You On? is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th 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 friendship, activism and protest, family dynamics.
How long does it take to read Whose Side are You On??
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Whose Side are You On? takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 31,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Whose Side are You On? have an AR quiz?
Yes — Whose Side are You On? has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Whose Side are You On??
Whose Side are You On? has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th 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.