Following my own footsteps
Clarion Books 1996
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include abuse and healing
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Genre
Themes
- family
- abuse and healing
- bullying
- identity and self-change
- courage
- resilience
- friendship
- forgiveness
About this book
Gordy has always survived by being tough, but moving to a new town after the war gives him a chance to try being someone different. With a caring teacher and new friends, he hopes to break the patterns he learned from his angry father. Still, old habits and fears are hard to shake, and Gordy must find the courage to choose his own path. A thoughtful historical story for middle graders who like realistic books about change, family, and second chances.
Setting: small-town Maryland, post–World War II (late 1940s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Following my own footsteps right for my child?
Yes — Following my own footsteps 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 family, abuse and healing, bullying.
How long does it take to read Following my own footsteps?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Following my own footsteps takes around 5.7h to finish. The book has 51,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Following my own footsteps have an AR quiz?
Yes — Following my own footsteps 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 my own footsteps?
Following my own footsteps 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.