Family of strangers
Bantam Books 1992
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- family and belonging
- identity
- trust and secrets
- resilience
- independence
- adjusting to change
About this book
After sudden changes at home, a teenage girl moves in with relatives she barely knows and must learn how to fit into a household with its own rules, rhythms, and history. As she navigates new friendships and family expectations, she starts to question what makes people a family in the first place. The story explores identity, trust, and belonging with empathy and honesty. Readers who enjoy realistic, character-driven dramas will connect with the heroine’s voice and her search for a place to call home.
Setting: contemporary suburban United States
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Family of strangers right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Family of strangers. 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 family and belonging, identity, trust and secrets.
How long does it take to read Family of strangers?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Family of strangers takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 50,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Family of strangers have an AR quiz?
Yes — Family of strangers 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 Family of strangers?
Family of strangers 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.