Are You in the House Alone?
by Richard Peck
printed by arr. with Viking Penguin Ltd. 1986
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include consent and sexual assault
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Genre
Themes
- stalking and harassment
- consent and sexual assault
- power and privilege
- courage and resilience
- justice and accountability
- friendship and loyalty
- coming of age
- trust and betrayal
About this book
High schooler Gail feels unsettled when anonymous notes and phone calls turn menacing, and suddenly the safety of her small town doesn’t feel so certain. As she navigates popularity, peer pressure, and who holds power at school, she must decide whom to trust and how to speak up. This suspenseful, realistic novel tackles tough topics with sensitivity, focusing on courage, consent, and finding your voice. Best for mature teens and classroom discussions.
Setting: a quiet suburban Connecticut town, 1970s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Are You in the House Alone? right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Are You in the House Alone?. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 stalking and harassment, consent and sexual assault, power and privilege.
How long does it take to read Are You in the House Alone??
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Are You in the House Alone? takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 43,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Are You in the House Alone? have an AR quiz?
Yes — Are You in the House Alone? has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Are You in the House Alone??
Are You in the House Alone? has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.