Breaking the Fall
Viking Juvenile 1992
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- peer pressure
- risk-taking
- fear and courage
- toxic friendship
- identity and choices
- consequences
- morality
- coming of age
About this book
Stanley’s life is coming apart, and his charismatic friend Jared pulls him into a risky game that blurs the line between thrill and threat. As the dares escalate, Stanley has to decide how far he’ll go—and what kind of person he wants to be. Taut and psychological, this short novel speaks to teens who like gritty, realistic stories with moral stakes. It’s a thoughtful read for older students ready to examine peer pressure and courage without graphic content.
Setting: a suburban American town in the early 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Breaking the Fall right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Breaking the Fall. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th 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 peer pressure, risk-taking, fear and courage.
How long does it take to read Breaking the Fall?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Breaking the Fall takes around 3.7h to finish. The book has 33,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Breaking the Fall have an AR quiz?
Yes — Breaking the Fall has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 the Fall?
Breaking the Fall has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th 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.