Dirt bike
by Paul Kropp
Collier Macmillan Canada 1980
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.6 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- responsibility
- risk-taking
- friendship
- perseverance
- independence
- choices and consequences
About this book
A high-interest, fast-paced story about a boy who’s crazy about dirt bikes and the risks that come with chasing speed. Short chapters and clear language make it a strong pick for reluctant readers in the middle grades. As he navigates friendship, family expectations, and the pull of the track, he learns what responsibility really means. Kids who love motorsports and real-life drama will race through it.
Setting: a small Canadian town with back roads and dirt tracks, contemporary (1980s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dirt bike right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Dirt bike. The reading level is AR 3.6, which is typical for 3rd 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 responsibility, risk-taking, friendship.
How long does it take to read Dirt bike?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Dirt bike takes around 1.9h to finish. The book has 15,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dirt bike have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dirt bike has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Dirt bike?
Dirt bike has an AR reading level of 3.6, which places it at a 3rd 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.