Criss cross
Thorndike Press 2008
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- coming of age
- identity
- first crushes
- self-discovery
- fate and chance
- everyday life
- community
About this book
This Newbery Medal–winning novel follows a group of small-town teens—Debbie, Hector, and their friends—during a summer when their lives quietly intersect. Through music, radio shows, and everyday adventures in the 1970s, they explore who they are and who they might become. The book’s gentle humor, lyrical style, and relatable moments about first crushes and friendship make it a favorite for thoughtful readers. Ideal for middle graders who enjoy realistic, character-driven stories.
Setting: a small Midwestern town, 1970s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Criss cross right for my child?
Yes — Criss cross is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.5, which is typical for 5th 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, coming of age, identity.
How long does it take to read Criss cross?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Criss cross takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 60,498 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Criss cross have an AR quiz?
Yes — Criss cross 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 Criss cross?
Criss cross has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th 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.