Linked
Scholastic Inc. 2021
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- prejudice and tolerance
- identity
- friendship
- courage
- community responsibility
- activism
- empathy
About this book
When a swastika is painted in a small-town middle school, three students—popular athlete Link, accused bystander Michael, and Dana, the only Jewish girl in town—are pulled into a mystery that forces everyone to confront prejudice and history. Told in multiple voices, the story blends a who-done-it with big questions about identity, courage, and doing the right thing. Gordon Korman’s fast-paced style, humor, and relatable characters keep readers turning pages while inviting thoughtful discussion. Perfect for middle graders who enjoy school stories with heart, mystery, and real-world relevance.
Setting: a small Colorado town and its middle school, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Linked right for my child?
Yes — Linked is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th 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 prejudice and tolerance, identity, friendship.
How long does it take to read Linked?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Linked takes around 5.8h to finish. The book has 57,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Linked have an AR quiz?
Yes — Linked 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 Linked?
Linked has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th 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.