42 Miles
by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer
Clarion Books 2008
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- divorce and family dynamics
- belonging
- self-expression
- growing up
- city vs. country life
- resilience
- friendship
About this book
In this novel-in-verse, twelve-year-old JoEllen spends part of each week with her mom in the city and the rest with her dad in the country—two lives 42 miles apart. Through poems and snapshots of everyday moments, she searches for a way to be one true self instead of two different girls. The spare, accessible style and short chapters make it a great pick for reluctant readers and poetry fans alike. It resonates with kids navigating divorce, blended families, and the pull between places.
Setting: contemporary Midwest, split between a city apartment and a rural home 42 miles apart
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 42 Miles right for my child?
Yes — 42 Miles is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.2, 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 identity, divorce and family dynamics, belonging.
How long does it take to read 42 Miles?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, 42 Miles takes around 40m to finish. The book has 6,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does 42 Miles have an AR quiz?
Yes — 42 Miles has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 42 Miles?
42 Miles has an AR reading level of 4.2, 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.