Mick Harte was Here
by Barbara Park
Knopf Books for Young Readers 1995
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- grief and loss
- family bonds
- healing
- memory
- friendship
- resilience
- choices and consequences
- hope
About this book
Told with honesty, humor, and heart, this short novel follows Phoebe as she grapples with the sudden loss of her brother, Mick, after a bike accident. Through memories, family moments, and the support of friends, she begins to understand grief and how love endures. Written in an accessible voice, it balances sadness with warmth and wit, making a tough topic approachable. Perfect for middle graders ready for a moving, thought-provoking read.
Setting: contemporary suburban community and middle school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mick Harte was Here right for my child?
Yes — Mick Harte was Here is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th 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 grief and loss, family bonds, healing.
How long does it take to read Mick Harte was Here?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Mick Harte was Here takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 18,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mick Harte was Here have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mick Harte was Here has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Mick Harte was Here?
Mick Harte was Here has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th 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.