Hummer
by Linda Gruenberg
Houghton Mifflin 1994
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.4 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- independence
- found family
- trust
- resilience
- homelessness
- identity
- hope
About this book
Hummer follows a tough, resourceful teen who’s determined to make it on her own after leaving a troubled home. Drifting through a gritty port city, she survives by her wits, guarding her independence while cautiously building fragile connections. The story is spare, tense, and compassionate, offering a close look at what it takes to trust again. Readers who enjoy realistic, character-driven fiction about resilience and found family will be drawn in.
Setting: a contemporary port city, 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hummer right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Hummer. The reading level is AR 5.4, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include survival, independence, found family.
How long does it take to read Hummer?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Hummer takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hummer have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hummer 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 Hummer?
Hummer has an AR reading level of 5.4, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.