Crash
Tandem Library 1996
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- bullying
- empathy
- sportsmanship
- family
- identity
- peer pressure
- personal growth
About this book
Seventh-grader John “Crash” Coogan is a star athlete who loves winning, pranks, and being tough—until a gentle neighbor named Penn Webb and a family crisis make him question what really matters. Told with humor and heart, the story follows Crash’s journey from bully to someone learning empathy and true friendship. Relatable school scenes and sports moments keep readers turning pages. Perfect for middle graders who enjoy realistic stories about growing up and doing the right thing.
Setting: suburban Pennsylvania, contemporary (1990s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crash right for my child?
Yes — Crash is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, 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 friendship, bullying, empathy.
How long does it take to read Crash?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Crash takes around 3.8h to finish. The book has 34,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Crash have an AR quiz?
Yes — Crash 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 Crash?
Crash has an AR reading level of 4.3, 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.