Breaking out
Delacorte Press 1991
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- independence
- friendship
- peer pressure
- self-advocacy
- family dynamics
- identity
- self-esteem
- resilience
About this book
A thoughtful middle schooler decides it’s time to stop letting other people define who they are—at school, at home, and with friends. Determined to “break out” of old patterns, they try new activities, make tougher choices, and learn to speak up even when it’s uncomfortable. The story offers an honest look at friendship, family expectations, and finding confidence. Readers who enjoy realistic, character-driven stories about growing up will connect with this one.
Setting: contemporary suburban Pacific Northwest
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Breaking out right for my child?
Yes — Breaking out is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include independence, friendship, peer pressure.
How long does it take to read Breaking out?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Breaking out takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 28,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Breaking out have an AR quiz?
Yes — Breaking out 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 Breaking out?
Breaking out has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.