Awake and Dreaming
by Kit Pearson
Penguin 1996
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- poverty and neglect
- found family
- imagination vs. reality
- resilience and hope
- belonging
- identity and self-worth
- kindness and empathy
- magical realism
About this book
Eleven-year-old Theo lives in poverty with her unreliable mother and longs for a warm, steady family to call her own. When she meets the lively Kaldor family on the ferry to Victoria, her deepest wish seems to slip into reality—until a mysterious presence blurs the line between dreams and waking life. Set on Canada’s West Coast, this heartfelt story blends everyday struggles with a touch of the supernatural. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven tales about hope, family, and finding where you belong.
Setting: Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, contemporary 1990s
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Awake and Dreaming right for my child?
Yes — Awake and Dreaming is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, 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 poverty and neglect, found family, imagination vs. reality.
How long does it take to read Awake and Dreaming?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Awake and Dreaming takes around 7.1h to finish. The book has 64,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Awake and Dreaming have an AR quiz?
Yes — Awake and Dreaming 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 Awake and Dreaming?
Awake and Dreaming has an AR reading level of 4.7, 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.