Indigo
FollettBound Platinum 2002
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- self-discovery
- family
- courage
- hope
- nature and the sea
- belonging
- magical realism
About this book
In a dry, dust-blown town, Martha Glimmer’s best friends—brothers nicknamed Trout and Eel—dream of the ocean they’ve never seen. When the boys decide to leave in search of water and freedom, Martha goes with them on a risky journey toward the coast. Rumors of mermaids and the pull of the sea give their adventure a shimmer of magic. Short, lyrical chapters make this a quick, heartfelt read for middle-grade readers who love friendship stories with a touch of wonder.
Setting: a drought-stricken small town and a journey to the sea
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indigo right for my child?
Yes — Indigo 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 friendship, self-discovery, family.
How long does it take to read Indigo?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Indigo takes around 1.8h to finish. The book has 16,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Indigo have an AR quiz?
Yes — Indigo 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 Indigo?
Indigo 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.