Durango Street
by Frank Bonham
Dell Publishing 1985
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include violence and its costs
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Genre
Themes
- choices and consequences
- identity
- loyalty
- violence and its costs
- redemption
- family responsibility
- peer pressure
- survival
About this book
After his release from a juvenile detention center, Rufus Henry just wants a fresh start and a job to help his family. But life in his tough housing project pulls him toward a local gang, forcing him to choose between loyalty and the future he wants. With the help of a streetwise counselor, Rufus must find a way to stay true to himself while navigating rivalries and pressure. Gritty and fast-paced, this classic appeals to teens who like realistic stories about choices and second chances.
Setting: inner-city Los Angeles housing project, 1960s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Durango Street right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Durango Street. The reading level is AR 5, 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 choices and consequences, identity, loyalty.
How long does it take to read Durango Street?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Durango Street takes around 5.7h to finish. The book has 56,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Durango Street have an AR quiz?
Yes — Durango Street has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Durango Street?
Durango Street has an AR reading level of 5, 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.