Tough-O-Meter

We've got your back. With the Tough-O-Meter, you'll know whether to bring extra layers or Swiss army knives as you summit the literary mountain. (10 = Toughest)

(3) Base Camp

You might not have been around in the 1960s, but that doesn't mean you won't be able to follow what's going down in this book. For the most part, it's about your average American kid (Delphine) and the struggles she goes through with her family. Sounds familiar, right? Sure, we'd recommend you brush up on your Civil Rights history, but just because it will only help you understand who's who in the book. Even if you aren't well-versed in 60's politics, though, you'll have no trouble following along. The truth is that Delphine is learning, just like us, so it's easy to stay on the same page with her.