Celine
by Brock Cole
Macmillan 1989
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- coming of age
- family separation and divorce
- responsibility
- identity and self-expression
- friendship and mentorship
- art and creativity
- empathy
- independence
About this book
Celine is a sharp, witty sixteen-year-old artist who wants nothing more than a long-promised trip to Europe—if she can prove she’s responsible. Between finishing an overdue term paper and babysitting her seven-year-old neighbor as his parents separate, she learns that growing up means showing up for other people. With a lively voice and dry humor, the story explores creativity, independence, and empathy. It’s a great pick for teens who enjoy realistic, character-driven books about family and finding your own way.
Setting: suburban United States, late 1980s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Celine right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Celine. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th 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 coming of age, family separation and divorce, responsibility.
How long does it take to read Celine?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Celine takes around 6.3h to finish. The book has 62,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Celine have an AR quiz?
Yes — Celine has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Celine?
Celine has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th 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.