Getting air
by Dan Gutman
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 2008
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- teamwork
- resourcefulness
- friendship
- responsibility
- survival
- doing the right thing
About this book
Three skateboarding friends are on a routine flight when a group of hijackers takes control of the plane. After an emergency landing, the kids must rely on quick thinking, teamwork, and their board skills to help keep everyone safe until help arrives. Fast-paced chapters, humor, and high-stakes action make this a great pick for middle-grade readers and skateboard fans. Perfect for adventure lovers and reluctant readers alike.
Setting: a commercial airliner and a remote U.S. field, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Getting air right for my child?
Yes — Getting air is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, 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 courage, teamwork, resourcefulness.
How long does it take to read Getting air?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Getting air takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 50,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Getting air have an AR quiz?
Yes — Getting air 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 Getting air?
Getting air has an AR reading level of 4.7, 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.