Keeping Christina
by Sue Ellen Bridgers
Replica Books 1993
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- responsibility
- loyalty
- family dynamics
- ethical dilemmas
- identity
- boundaries and control
- trust
- consequences
About this book
A high school girl takes on a caregiving job for a baby named Christina and quickly grows deeply attached. As tensions in Christina’s family rise, she struggles with where loyalty ends and responsibility begins. The story explores how good intentions can blur into risky choices, asking readers to consider boundaries, trust, and what it truly means to care for someone. Thoughtful and intense, it’s a realistic read for teens who like character-driven dilemmas.
Setting: a small Southern town, contemporary (early 1990s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keeping Christina right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Keeping Christina. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include responsibility, loyalty, family dynamics.
How long does it take to read Keeping Christina?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Keeping Christina takes around 8.0h to finish. The book has 72,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Keeping Christina have an AR quiz?
Yes — Keeping Christina has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Keeping Christina?
Keeping Christina has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.