How I Live Now
by Meg Rosoff
Ember 2013
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include war and occupation, trauma and healing
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- first love
- war and occupation
- family and belonging
- resilience
- identity
- trauma and healing
- hope
About this book
When fifteen-year-old Daisy leaves New York to live with cousins in the English countryside, their carefree summer is shattered by the outbreak of war. Cut off from adults and modern comforts, the teens must rely on each other to survive as the world around them changes overnight. Told in Daisy’s sharp, funny, and honest voice, this is a gripping story about first love, resilience, and finding hope in chaos. Best for mature teens who enjoy character-driven survival stories and intimate, emotional journeys.
Setting: rural England in the near future during an enemy invasion and occupation
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is How I Live Now right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for How I Live Now. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th 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 survival, first love, war and occupation.
How long does it take to read How I Live Now?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, How I Live Now takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does How I Live Now have an AR quiz?
Yes — How I Live Now has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 How I Live Now?
How I Live Now has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th 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.