Hank's story
by Jane Buchanan
Farrar, Straus and Giroux 2001
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- friendship
- resilience
- identity
- responsibility
- finding your voice
- self-acceptance
- overcoming adversity
About this book
Hank is trying to figure out where he fits—in his family, at school, and in a town where everyone seems to know his business. When problems at home and growing expectations at school collide, he has to decide what kind of person he wants to be. Told in a clear, heartfelt voice, this story follows a boy learning to speak up, take responsibility, and lean on the people who care about him. It’s a thoughtful, realistic read for middle graders who enjoy character-driven stories.
Setting: a small rural town in the contemporary United States
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hank's story right for my child?
Yes — Hank's story 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 family, friendship, resilience.
How long does it take to read Hank's story?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Hank's story takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 32,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hank's story have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hank's story has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Hank's story?
Hank's story 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.