Greater than angels
by Carol Matas
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing 2001
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- resistance
- survival
- friendship
- identity
- moral choice
- hope
- altruism
About this book
Set in Nazi-occupied France, this historical novel follows a Jewish teen who flees Germany only to face internment and danger under the Vichy regime. With the help of aid workers and brave villagers, she learns to resist, protect others, and hold on to hope. The story highlights everyday courage and moral choices without graphic detail, making it accessible to middle-grade readers. Kids are drawn to the suspense, the strong friendships, and the real-life heroism behind the events.
Setting: Vichy France, including an internment camp and the mountain village of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, early 1940s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Greater than angels right for my child?
Yes — Greater than angels is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, which is typical for 5th 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, resistance, survival.
How long does it take to read Greater than angels?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Greater than angels takes around 4.8h to finish. The book has 47,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Greater than angels have an AR quiz?
Yes — Greater than angels has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Greater than angels?
Greater than angels has an AR reading level of 5.1, which places it at a 5th 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.