Linger
by M. E. Kerr
HarperCollins 1993
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- first love
- identity
- class and privilege
- truth vs. rumor
- family dynamics
- choices and consequences
- reputation
- growing up
About this book
Set in a seaside Long Island town, this realistic YA novel follows a thoughtful high school senior caught up in a relationship that doesn’t easily fade. Drawn to someone older and mysterious, he must navigate small-town gossip, class tensions, and family expectations while figuring out what he really believes. M. E. Kerr’s sharp, economical writing raises nuanced questions about love, truth, and reputation without easy answers. A strong pick for mature teens who enjoy character-driven stories that stay with you.
Setting: a wealthy resort town on Long Island, early 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Linger right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Linger. The reading level is AR 5.5, which is typical for 5th 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 first love, identity, class and privilege.
How long does it take to read Linger?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Linger takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Linger have an AR quiz?
Yes — Linger 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 Linger?
Linger has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th 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.