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Bounce book cover

Bounce

by Natasha Friend

Scholastic Paperbacks 2009

Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up

Reading level 4.4 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+

4th grade English
188
Pages
6
AR Points
5.5h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • blended families
  • change and adaptation
  • identity
  • friendship
  • grief and healing
  • resilience
  • belonging
  • self-acceptance

About this book

Thirteen-year-old Evyn’s world flips when her dad announces he’s remarrying and moving them from coastal Maine to Boston. Overnight, Evyn gains six step-siblings, a new school, and a house that doesn’t feel like hers. As she navigates friendship drama and shifting family rules, she learns how to speak up and make space for herself. Honest and relatable, this story appeals to middle schoolers facing big changes, blended families, and finding where they belong.

Setting: coastal Maine and Boston, present day

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bounce right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Bounce. The reading level is AR 4.4, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include blended families, change and adaptation, identity.

How long does it take to read Bounce?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Bounce takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Bounce have an AR quiz?

Yes — Bounce has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Bounce?

Bounce has an AR reading level of 4.4, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.