Hit and Run
Random House Children's Books 2009
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.1 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- choices and consequences
- guilt and responsibility
- truth and lies
- peer pressure
- justice and morality
- grief and healing
- friendship and loyalty
About this book
A single late-night decision sets off a chain of events when a group of teens becomes entangled in a hit-and-run. Told in alternating perspectives, the story traces the driver, witnesses, and those left reeling as secrets, guilt, and fear collide. With short chapters and a fast pace, it examines responsibility, truth, and how choices ripple through a community. A strong pick for teens who like emotional, issue-driven realism.
Setting: a contemporary small-town community and high school in the United States
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hit and Run right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Hit and Run. The reading level is AR 4.1, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include choices and consequences, guilt and responsibility, truth and lies.
How long does it take to read Hit and Run?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Hit and Run takes around 5.1h to finish. The book has 46,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hit and Run have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hit and Run 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 Hit and Run?
Hit and Run has an AR reading level of 4.1, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.