Greetings from Planet Earth
by Barbara Kerley
Scholastic Inc. 2007
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include war and its aftermath
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Genre
Themes
- family secrets
- identity
- grief and healing
- curiosity and discovery
- truth and honesty
- war and its aftermath
- friendship
- science and wonder
About this book
In 1977, sixth-grader Theo’s class is making their own version of the Voyager Golden Record—a message to tell distant beings what life on Earth is like. As Theo searches for the right words, he begins to uncover questions about his father’s service in Vietnam and the secrets his family keeps. Blending space science with history, the story explores how we define who we are and where we come from. It’s a thoughtful, accessible read for middle graders who enjoy mystery, family stories, and real-world connections.
Setting: suburban United States, 1977; school project inspired by the Voyager Golden Record; family home shaped by the Vietnam War’s legacy
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Greetings from Planet Earth right for my child?
Yes — Greetings from Planet Earth 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 secrets, identity, grief and healing.
How long does it take to read Greetings from Planet Earth?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Greetings from Planet Earth takes around 6.5h to finish. The book has 59,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Greetings from Planet Earth have an AR quiz?
Yes — Greetings from Planet Earth has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Greetings from Planet Earth?
Greetings from Planet Earth 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.