Dad, in spirit
by A. LaFaye
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 2001
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- grief and healing
- family
- identity
- friendship
- resilience
- hope
- change
- memory
About this book
After the loss of her father, a middle-school girl must find a way to carry his memory while navigating changing friendships, school, and life at home. Through moments both tender and funny, she learns that grief doesn’t follow a straight path and that love can grow in unexpected places. Readers will connect with her honest voice and the small, hopeful steps she takes toward healing. A heartfelt story for kids who enjoy realistic fiction about family and resilience.
Setting: contemporary small-town America
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dad, in spirit right for my child?
Yes — Dad, in spirit is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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 grief and healing, family, identity.
How long does it take to read Dad, in spirit?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Dad, in spirit takes around 5.2h to finish. The book has 47,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dad, in spirit have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dad, in spirit has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Dad, in spirit?
Dad, in spirit has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.