Clean Break
Random House 2008
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family breakup
- resilience
- sibling bonds
- identity
- coping with change
- divorce and separation
- hope
- self-discovery
About this book
Em absolutely adores her funny, larger-than-life stepdad and the magic he brings to their family—until one Christmas he announces he’s leaving. With her little brother and sister confused and Mum struggling, Em tries to hold everyone together while figuring out what family really means. Told with warmth, humor, and honesty, this story gently explores divorce and change from a child’s point of view. Perfect for readers 8–12 who enjoy realistic stories about feelings, family, and finding inner strength.
Setting: contemporary United Kingdom, mostly in and around the family’s home and school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clean Break right for my child?
Yes — Clean Break is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.2, 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 family breakup, resilience, sibling bonds.
How long does it take to read Clean Break?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Clean Break takes around 5.8h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Clean Break have an AR quiz?
Yes — Clean Break has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Clean Break?
Clean Break has an AR reading level of 4.2, 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.