Between Shades of Gray
by Ruta Sepetys
Penguin 2011
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 3.6 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include war and totalitarianism
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- family
- courage
- hope and resilience
- injustice and oppression
- war and totalitarianism
- identity
- the power of art
About this book
Fifteen-year-old Lina, a budding artist in Lithuania, is torn from her home by Soviet officers and sent to a series of brutal labor camps in Siberia. Determined to survive and preserve the truth, she records their journey through secret sketches while holding tight to family, friendship, and hope. Sepetys’s writing makes a difficult chapter of history deeply human and accessible for teens. Perfect for readers who enjoy powerful historical fiction and stories of courage and resilience.
Setting: Lithuania and Siberian labor camps, early 1940s (Stalinist USSR)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Between Shades of Gray right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Between Shades of Gray. The reading level is AR 3.6, which is typical for 3rd 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 survival, family, courage.
How long does it take to read Between Shades of Gray?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Between Shades of Gray takes around 8.6h to finish. The book has 69,400 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Between Shades of Gray have an AR quiz?
Yes — Between Shades of Gray has an AR quiz available, worth 11 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 Shades of Gray?
Between Shades of Gray has an AR reading level of 3.6, which places it at a 3rd 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.