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Breakdown book cover

Breakdown

by Katherine Applegate

Turtleback Books Distributed by Demco Media 2002

★★★★★

Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up

Reading level 4.7 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+

4th grade English
170
Pages
4
AR Points
4.3h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Science Fiction

Themes

  • survival
  • trust and betrayal
  • fear and paranoia
  • identity and memory
  • leadership under pressure
  • adaptation
  • alien contact
  • resilience

About this book

After Earth’s destruction, a small group of survivors awakens aboard a living alien ship known as Mother. In Book 6 of the Remnants series, mounting fear, strange visions, and the ship’s unsettling power push the group toward paranoia and panic. Short, punchy chapters and multiple viewpoints keep the tension high and the pages turning. Perfect for middle school readers who like fast, scary science fiction survival stories.

Setting: a sentient alien spacecraft (“Mother”) in deep space, near-future/post‑apocalyptic

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Breakdown right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Breakdown. The reading level is AR 4.7, 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 survival, trust and betrayal, fear and paranoia.

How long does it take to read Breakdown?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Breakdown takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 39,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Breakdown have an AR quiz?

Yes — Breakdown has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Breakdown?

Breakdown has an AR reading level of 4.7, 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.