Family Picture
by Dean Hughes
Scholastic 1990
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- found family
- homelessness
- belonging
- resilience
- trust
- kindness
- hope
About this book
When eleven-year-old Jordan, tired of feeling unwanted, bolts from his foster home, he has to figure out how to survive on his own in a busy city. He finds unexpected safety and kindness at an old hotel, where a mix of staff and guests begin to feel like the family he’s been missing. This realistic, heartfelt story explores how trust is built and how home can be found in surprising places. Perfect for middle-grade readers who like character-driven tales about resilience and belonging.
Setting: a contemporary U.S. city and an old hotel, early 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Family Picture right for my child?
Yes — Family Picture is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 found family, homelessness, belonging.
How long does it take to read Family Picture?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Family Picture takes around 5.2h to finish. The book has 47,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Family Picture have an AR quiz?
Yes — Family Picture has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Picture?
Family Picture has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.