America
by E. R. Frank
Simon and Schuster 2003
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.8 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include trauma and healing
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- trauma and healing
- identity
- survival
- mental health
- foster care
- trust
- resilience
- found family
About this book
Fifteen-year-old America has bounced through foster homes and group care and now finds himself in a hospital, where a steady therapist helps him put words to pain he’s tried to bury. Told in a raw, authentic voice, the story moves between therapy sessions and memories as America begins to uncover the truth of his past. It’s a powerful, ultimately hopeful look at trauma, identity, and healing. Best for mature teen readers who appreciate intense, character-driven realistic fiction.
Setting: contemporary New York City; a psychiatric hospital and various foster/group homes
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is America right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for America. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th 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 trauma and healing, identity, survival.
How long does it take to read America?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, America takes around 10h to finish. The book has 90,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does America have an AR quiz?
Yes — America has an AR quiz available, worth 13 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 America?
America has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th 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.