Gentlehands
by M. E. Kerr
Starfire 1990
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- family secrets
- moral responsibility
- class and privilege
- first love
- truth vs. loyalty
- Holocaust legacy
- coming of age
About this book
On the South Shore of Long Island, Buddy Boyle falls for Skye, a girl from a wealthier world—and meets his elegant, long-estranged grandfather known as Gentlehands. Drawn into a glittering North Shore life, Buddy begins to hear troubling whispers about his grandfather’s past. As he digs for the truth, he faces hard questions about loyalty, love, and who we choose to be. This compelling coming-of-age story blends romance and moral suspense, keeping teens turning pages and talking.
Setting: Long Island, New York, 1970s, with echoes of World War II Europe
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gentlehands right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Gentlehands. The reading level is AR 5.5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include identity, family secrets, moral responsibility.
How long does it take to read Gentlehands?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Gentlehands takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Gentlehands have an AR quiz?
Yes — Gentlehands 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 Gentlehands?
Gentlehands has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.