Keep smiling through
by Ann Rinaldi
Harcourt 1994
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Themes include wartime home front
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Genre
Themes
- resilience
- family
- wartime home front
- friendship
- responsibility
- first love
- identity
- hope
About this book
Set on the American home front during World War II, this historical novel follows a teenage girl as she navigates blackouts, rationing, volunteer work, and the constant worry for loved ones overseas. Friendships shift, family roles change, and first crushes bloom as the war touches every part of daily life. Ann Rinaldi blends vivid period detail with relatable emotions to show how ordinary people found courage in extraordinary times. A strong pick for middle school readers who enjoy history with heart and personal stakes.
Setting: American home front, early 1940s (World War II)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keep smiling through right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Keep smiling through. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 resilience, family, wartime home front.
How long does it take to read Keep smiling through?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Keep smiling through takes around 6.7h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Keep smiling through have an AR quiz?
Yes — Keep smiling through has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Keep smiling through?
Keep smiling through has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.