Dares
by Joanne Suter
Fearon/Janus/Quercus 1988
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 3.5 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- peer pressure
- risk-taking
- friendship
- courage
- consequences of choices
- integrity
- bullying
- responsibility
About this book
When a group of friends starts daring each other to take bigger and riskier chances, one teen has to decide how far he’ll go to fit in. The dares spiral from harmless fun to dangerous choices, forcing him to weigh loyalty against common sense. Short chapters and clear language make this a fast, accessible read for striving and reluctant readers. It’s a great conversation starter about peer pressure, courage, and making smart decisions.
Setting: contemporary urban/suburban high school and neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dares right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Dares. The reading level is AR 3.5, which is typical for 3rd 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 peer pressure, risk-taking, friendship.
How long does it take to read Dares?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Dares takes around 1.4h to finish. The book has 11,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dares have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dares has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Dares?
Dares has an AR reading level of 3.5, which places it at a 3rd 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.