Back to Before
by Jan Slepian
Philomel Books 1993
Book 4 of Megamorphs
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Book 4 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- family change
- grief and healing
- resilience
- friendship
- identity
- acceptance
- coping with loss
About this book
After a sudden change upends her family, a thoughtful middle school girl wishes she could go 'back to before'—to when everything felt simple and safe. As she navigates new responsibilities, shifting friendships, and big emotions, she discovers small moments of courage and kindness that help her move forward. Jan Slepian’s warm, realistic voice captures the push-and-pull of growing up. A strong choice for readers who enjoy character-driven stories about family and finding your footing.
Setting: contemporary small-town United States
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Back to Before right for my child?
Yes — Back to Before is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th 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 family change, grief and healing, resilience. Note: this is book 4 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Back to Before?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Back to Before takes around 3.8h to finish. The book has 38,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Back to Before have an AR quiz?
Yes — Back to Before 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 Back to Before?
Back to Before has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th 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.