Between a rock and a hard place
by Alden R. Carter
Scholastic 1995
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- peer pressure
- choices and consequences
- loyalty vs. integrity
- family relationships
- identity
- responsibility
- resilience
About this book
This realistic novel follows a high school teen who finds himself caught between loyalty to friends and doing what’s right after a bad decision spirals into serious consequences. As pressure builds at home and at school, he has to choose which path to take—and who he wants to be. Fast-paced and relatable, it speaks to the tough choices teens face and the courage it takes to own them. A good pick for readers who like true-to-life stories with high stakes and heart.
Setting: a small Midwestern town, contemporary 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Between a rock and a hard place right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Between a rock and a hard place. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 peer pressure, choices and consequences, loyalty vs. integrity.
How long does it take to read Between a rock and a hard place?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Between a rock and a hard place takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 55,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Between a rock and a hard place have an AR quiz?
Yes — Between a rock and a hard place has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Between a rock and a hard place?
Between a rock and a hard place has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.