Don't look behind you
by Lois Duncan
Dell Pub. 1989
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.7 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- family
- trust
- deception
- courage
- danger and suspense
- starting over
- consequences
About this book
High schooler April Corrigan’s life is upended when her family is forced into the Witness Protection Program after her father agrees to testify in a federal case. Overnight, April must give up friends, sports, and even her name as the family relocates and starts over. When signs suggest a hired killer may have found them, April struggles with fear, trust, and the pull of her old life. Fast-paced and relatable, this thriller hooks teens who enjoy suspense, high stakes, and strong, resourceful protagonists.
Setting: contemporary United States; suburban Washington, D.C., then a new life under Witness Protection in Florida, late 1980s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Don't look behind you right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Don't look behind you. The reading level is AR 5.7, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include identity, family, trust.
How long does it take to read Don't look behind you?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Don't look behind you takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Don't look behind you have an AR quiz?
Yes — Don't look behind you has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Don't look behind you?
Don't look behind you has an AR reading level of 5.7, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.