12 again
by Sue Corbett
Dutton Children's Books 2002
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- family
- growing up
- time travel
- identity
- responsibility
- second chances
- sibling relationships
- empathy
About this book
On the eve of a big birthday, Patrick’s mom mysteriously vanishes—only she hasn’t run away. She’s suddenly twelve again, reliving a pivotal year from her own childhood, while Patrick scrambles to keep his younger brothers calm and the family together. As clues from the past surface, Patrick discovers new sides of his mother and what family really means. A warm, funny, and heartfelt time-slip story perfect for middle graders who enjoy realistic family drama with a magical twist.
Setting: contemporary suburban United States and a return to the 1970s through a time-slip
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 12 again right for my child?
Yes — 12 again 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 family, growing up, time travel.
How long does it take to read 12 again?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, 12 again takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 55,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does 12 again have an AR quiz?
Yes — 12 again has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 12 again?
12 again 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.