Ice
Simon and Schuster 1998
Ice Trilogy
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- family secrets
- identity
- parent-child relationships
- healing and forgiveness
- self-discovery
- resilience
- belonging
About this book
Thirteen-year-old Chrissa is sent to spend the winter on her paternal grandmother’s farm, far from the life she knows. As she adjusts to country routines and the quiet of the season, she begins piecing together the truth about her absent father and why her relationship with her mother feels so strained. The story blends family mystery with everyday moments of growing up, inviting readers to reflect alongside Chrissa. Middle-grade readers who enjoy thoughtful, realistic stories about identity and family will connect with her journey.
Setting: a rural American farm in contemporary times, largely during winter
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ice right for my child?
Yes — Ice is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th 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 family secrets, identity, parent-child relationships.
How long does it take to read Ice?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Ice takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ice have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ice has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Ice?
Ice has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th 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.