December stillness
Clarion Books 1988
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Themes include trauma and PTSD
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Genre
Themes
- empathy and compassion
- homelessness
- trauma and PTSD
- responsibility and consequences
- rumors and gossip
- friendship
- family dynamics
- community
About this book
A thoughtful middle-grade novel about a girl who chooses the Vietnam War for a school project and befriends a withdrawn, homeless veteran who spends his days in the local library. As she tries to understand his past, rumors and misunderstandings at school complicate her efforts to help. The story explores how war’s invisible wounds linger and how compassion—and mistakes—can shape a young person’s view of right and wrong. Ideal for readers ready for deeper real-world issues handled with sensitivity.
Setting: a small American town and its public library, contemporary 1980s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is December stillness right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for December stillness. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th 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 empathy and compassion, homelessness, trauma and PTSD.
How long does it take to read December stillness?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, December stillness takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does December stillness have an AR quiz?
Yes — December stillness 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 December stillness?
December stillness has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th 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.