Buried onions
by Gary Soto
Harcourt, Inc. 1997
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.6 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include violence and its impact
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Genre
Themes
- poverty and hardship
- grief and loss
- choices and consequences
- perseverance
- identity
- violence and its impact
- hope and resilience
- family responsibility
About this book
Nineteen-year-old Eddie is trying to make a fresh start in the blistering streets of Fresno after the loss of people he loved. Odd jobs and big dreams tug against pressure from gangs and the pull of the past, and every choice seems to come with a cost. With vivid, gritty detail, Gary Soto follows a young man searching for dignity and a way out. It’s a powerful, fast read for teens who like realistic stories about tough choices and hope that won’t quit.
Setting: Fresno, California (urban neighborhoods), 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buried onions right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Buried onions. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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 poverty and hardship, grief and loss, choices and consequences.
How long does it take to read Buried onions?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Buried onions takes around 5.2h to finish. The book has 47,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Buried onions have an AR quiz?
Yes — Buried onions 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 Buried onions?
Buried onions has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.