Children of the River
by Linda Crew
Perfection Learning 1991
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.6 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include trauma and healing
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Genre
Themes
- immigration and refugee experience
- cultural identity
- family expectations
- first love
- tradition vs. independence
- trauma and healing
- resilience
- belonging
About this book
Seventeen-year-old Sundara flees the Khmer Rouge with her family and tries to rebuild her life in Oregon. At school she navigates new friendships and a tender first love while honoring the expectations of her Cambodian community. The story sensitively explores trauma, resilience, and the pull between tradition and independence. It’s a thoughtful read for teens who enjoy realistic stories about identity, family, and starting over.
Setting: Oregon in the 1980s, with memories of Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Children of the River right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Children of the River. 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 immigration and refugee experience, cultural identity, family expectations.
How long does it take to read Children of the River?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Children of the River takes around 6.3h to finish. The book has 57,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Children of the River have an AR quiz?
Yes — Children of the River has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Children of the River?
Children of the River 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.