Crossing the wire
by Will Hobbs
HarperCollins 2009
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- immigration
- family responsibility
- survival
- courage
- friendship
- perseverance
- hope
- identity
About this book
When work dries up at home in Mexico, a determined teen risks everything to cross the U.S. border in hopes of supporting his family. Facing smugglers, harsh deserts, and split-second choices, he discovers how far courage and friendship can carry him. Will Hobbs delivers a fast-paced survival story rooted in real-world issues. Ideal for middle school readers who like gripping, realistic adventures with heart.
Setting: rural central Mexico and the U.S.–Mexico borderlands (Sonoran Desert), contemporary
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crossing the wire right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Crossing the wire. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include immigration, family responsibility, survival.
How long does it take to read Crossing the wire?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Crossing the wire takes around 7.0h to finish. The book has 69,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Crossing the wire have an AR quiz?
Yes — Crossing the wire 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 Crossing the wire?
Crossing the wire has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.