Apple Is My Sign
by Mary Riskind
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 1981
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- family bonds
- Deaf culture
- communication
- belonging
- independence
- rural life
- self-advocacy
About this book
Ten-year-old Harry comes home to his family’s apple farm for the holidays after his first term at a boarding school for the deaf in Philadelphia. Back on the farm, he must bridge two worlds—the rich, signing community he’s found at school and the hearing family he loves at home. With warmth and humor, the story explores identity, communication, and the push-pull of growing independence. A thoughtful, accessible read for middle-grade readers interested in family stories and Deaf culture.
Setting: a rural Pennsylvania apple farm and a boarding school for the deaf in Philadelphia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple Is My Sign right for my child?
Yes — Apple Is My Sign is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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, family bonds, Deaf culture.
How long does it take to read Apple Is My Sign?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Apple Is My Sign takes around 3.9h to finish. The book has 35,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Apple Is My Sign have an AR quiz?
Yes — Apple Is My Sign 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 Apple Is My Sign?
Apple Is My Sign has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.