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Hannah book cover

Hannah

by Gloria Whelan

Scholastic 1993

Great fit for 4th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

4th grade English
62
Pages
1
AR Points
1.2h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Historical Fiction

Themes

  • perseverance
  • disability and acceptance
  • family
  • independence
  • education
  • self-advocacy
  • historical life
  • hope

About this book

Set in late-1800s Michigan, Hannah loses her sight after an illness and must find a new way to learn, work, and belong on her family’s farm. While her father doubts what a blind girl can do, Hannah’s determination leads her to Braille and the possibility of attending the state school for the blind. The story focuses on her growing independence and the changing attitudes of those around her. It’s a short, heartfelt historical read that resonates with grades 3–6 and families who enjoy stories of resilience and hope.

Setting: rural Michigan and the state school for the blind, late 1800s

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hannah right for my child?

Yes — Hannah is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.2, 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 perseverance, disability and acceptance, family.

How long does it take to read Hannah?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Hannah takes around 1.2h to finish. The book has 11,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Hannah have an AR quiz?

Yes — Hannah has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Hannah?

Hannah has an AR reading level of 4.2, 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.