Face to face
Clarion Books 1993
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- grief
- family secrets
- identity
- forgiveness
- friendship
- healing
- truth and honesty
- resilience
About this book
A thoughtful, character-driven novel about a young teen who must confront painful truths in her family and in herself. As shifting relationships and an unexpected encounter bring the past into focus, she learns what it means to face fear, grief, and responsibility head-on. Marion Dane Bauer’s compassionate voice and realistic situations make this a strong choice for middle school readers who like emotional, true-to-life stories. It’s engaging without being overwhelming, with plenty to discuss about choices and understanding others.
Setting: contemporary small Midwestern town, early 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Face to face right for my child?
Yes — Face to face is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th 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 grief, family secrets, identity.
How long does it take to read Face to face?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Face to face takes around 4.7h to finish. The book has 42,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Face to face have an AR quiz?
Yes — Face to face has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Face to face?
Face to face has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th 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.