My Daniel
by Pam Conrad
1992
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family legacy
- perseverance
- dreams and ambition
- grief and healing
- storytelling and memory
- nature and discovery
- sibling bonds
- frontier life
About this book
When Ellie and Stevie visit their grandmother, she brings the Nebraska prairie to life with stories of her childhood and her brother Daniel’s dream to uncover dinosaur bones. Through vivid memories, the past and present intertwine, revealing a family’s grit, love, and connection to the land. This heartfelt historical novel appeals to readers who enjoy stories about family history, the American prairie, and the wonder of paleontology. It’s a gentle, evocative read for middle-graders who like thoughtful, story-within-a-story adventures.
Setting: Nebraska prairie and Badlands; present day framing with early 1900s flashbacks
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Daniel right for my child?
Yes — My Daniel 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 family legacy, perseverance, dreams and ambition.
How long does it take to read My Daniel?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, My Daniel takes around 3.2h to finish. The book has 29,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My Daniel have an AR quiz?
Yes — My Daniel has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 My Daniel?
My Daniel 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.