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I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011 (I Survived #12) book cover

I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011 (I Survived #12)

by Lauren Tarshis

Scholastic Inc. 2015

★★★★★

Great fit for 4th grade

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

4th grade English Juvenile Fiction
89
Pages
2
AR Points
1.6h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Historical Fiction

Themes

  • survival
  • courage
  • family bonds
  • natural disasters
  • resilience
  • community
  • hope

About this book

Eleven-year-old Dex jumps at the chance to go storm chasing with a TV tornado expert, hoping for an adventure to share with his big brother serving in the Navy. But when the weather turns deadly, Dex must rely on quick thinking, courage, and help from others to make it through. Blending fast-paced action with real-world facts about tornadoes, this installment of the popular I Survived series hooks readers who love survival stories. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy exciting, true-to-life disasters with relatable heroes.

Setting: Joplin, Missouri, 2011, during and after a devastating tornado

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011 (I Survived #12) right for my child?

Yes — I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011 (I Survived #12) 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 survival, courage, family bonds.

How long does it take to read I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011 (I Survived #12)?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011 (I Survived #12) takes around 1.6h to finish. The book has 14,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011 (I Survived #12) have an AR quiz?

Yes — I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011 (I Survived #12) has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011 (I Survived #12)?

I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011 (I Survived #12) 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.