Bless the Beasts & Children
A Novel
Simon and Schuster 2014
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- outsiders and belonging
- courage
- friendship and loyalty
- identity and self-worth
- animal welfare
- rebellion against injustice
- moral choice
- coming of age
About this book
A group of misfit teenage boys at an Arizona summer camp find purpose when they band together to rescue a herd of buffalo marked for slaughter. Led by the determined Cotton, they set off on a risky overnight mission that tests their courage, loyalty, and sense of right and wrong. The story blends adventure with heartfelt moments as the boys confront bullies, labels, and their own fears. Ideal for mature teens, it resonates with readers who enjoy character-driven, thought-provoking tales about standing up for what matters.
Setting: Arizona high desert and backroads, late 1960s/early 1970s
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bless the Beasts & Children right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Bless the Beasts & Children. 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 outsiders and belonging, courage, friendship and loyalty.
How long does it take to read Bless the Beasts & Children?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Bless the Beasts & Children takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Bless the Beasts & Children have an AR quiz?
Yes — Bless the Beasts & Children has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Bless the Beasts & Children?
Bless the Beasts & Children 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.