A Bridge to the Stars
Delacorte Books for Young Readers 2007
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- coming of age
- father–son relationships
- secrets
- identity
- loneliness
- friendship
- resilience
- small-town life
About this book
In a small Swedish logging town in 1956, eleven-year-old Joel lives with his father, a former sailor who now works in the forest. Restless and curious, Joel wanders the streets at night, creates a secret society, and starts asking big questions about truth, family, and the wider world beyond his town. When his father develops a new romance, Joel must navigate changing loyalties and what it means to grow up. Quiet, atmospheric writing and a thoughtful, realistic voice make this a compelling read for middle grade readers who enjoy character-driven stories.
Setting: a small logging town in northern Sweden, 1956
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Bridge to the Stars right for my child?
Yes — A Bridge to the Stars is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 coming of age, father–son relationships, secrets.
How long does it take to read A Bridge to the Stars?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, A Bridge to the Stars takes around 4.5h to finish. The book has 41,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Bridge to the Stars have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Bridge to the Stars has an AR quiz available, worth 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 A Bridge to the Stars?
A Bridge to the Stars has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.