Kat's Surrender
by Theresa Martin Golding
Boyds Mills Press 2002
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.7 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- family and belonging
- foster care
- trust and betrayal
- identity
- resilience
- healing
- independence
- forgiveness
About this book
Kat has always relied on herself, but when family troubles force her into a new living situation, she has to decide who—and what—she can trust. As she navigates new rules, new people, and old hurts, Kat searches for a place where she truly belongs. Readers follow her honest, sometimes prickly voice through mistakes, small victories, and moments of unexpected kindness. This realistic story resonates with middle schoolers who like character-driven books about resilience and finding your way.
Setting: contemporary, urban/suburban United States
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kat's Surrender right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Kat's Surrender. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th 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 family and belonging, foster care, trust and betrayal.
How long does it take to read Kat's Surrender?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Kat's Surrender takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 48,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Kat's Surrender have an AR quiz?
Yes — Kat's Surrender has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Kat's Surrender?
Kat's Surrender has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th 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.