Accidents of nature
Henry Holt and Company 2008
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- friendship
- self-acceptance
- disability rights
- empowerment
- advocacy
- courage
- belonging
About this book
Seventeen-year-old Jean has cerebral palsy and heads to a summer camp for teens with disabilities, expecting a typical camp week. There she meets Sara, a bold new friend who challenges the way Jean thinks about herself, pity, and what it means to be "normal." Set in the early 1970s, the story blends humor, sharp dialogue, and heartfelt moments as Jean begins to find her voice. It’s a thoughtful, empowering read for teens interested in identity, independence, and disability rights.
Setting: a summer camp for teens with disabilities in the early 1970s, American South
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Accidents of nature right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Accidents of nature. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include identity, friendship, self-acceptance.
How long does it take to read Accidents of nature?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Accidents of nature takes around 7.6h to finish. The book has 75,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Accidents of nature have an AR quiz?
Yes — Accidents of nature has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Accidents of nature?
Accidents of nature has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.