Following Fake Man
by Barbara Ware Holmes
Yearling 2002
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- family secrets
- friendship
- grief and healing
- truth and lies
- courage
- self-discovery
- mystery and investigation
About this book
Twelve-year-old Homer spends the summer in a small Maine town, where he and his new friend Roger chase clues about a mysterious costumed man and the truth about Homer’s long-dead father. As the boys piece together secrets from the past, they learn how friendship and courage can help untangle real-life mysteries. This is a character-driven mystery with a seaside vibe, perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy clue-hunting and smart twists. Engaging writing and relatable stakes keep kids turning pages without scary content.
Setting: a small coastal town in Maine, present day, over a summer vacation
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Following Fake Man right for my child?
Yes — Following Fake Man 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 identity, family secrets, friendship.
How long does it take to read Following Fake Man?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Following Fake Man takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Following Fake Man have an AR quiz?
Yes — Following Fake Man 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 Following Fake Man?
Following Fake Man 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.