My Father's Words
by Patricia MacLachlan
HarperCollins 2018
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.2 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- grief and healing
- family bonds
- memory
- kindness and empathy
- resilience
- community support
- animal-assisted therapy
- hope
About this book
After their father dies unexpectedly, siblings Fiona and Finn hold on to the comforting phrases he used to share and look for ways to heal. Volunteering with therapy dogs at a local rescue helps them connect, remember, and find small moments of peace. Told in Patricia MacLachlan’s spare, lyrical style, this short novel gently explores grief and resilience. It’s an inviting choice for readers who like heartfelt, realistic stories, short chapters, and animals.
Setting: a contemporary small-town community and local animal rescue center
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Father's Words right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for My Father's Words. The reading level is AR 3.2, which is typical for 3rd 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 healing, family bonds, memory.
How long does it take to read My Father's Words?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, My Father's Words takes around 1.4h to finish. The book has 11,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My Father's Words have an AR quiz?
Yes — My Father's Words has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Father's Words?
My Father's Words has an AR reading level of 3.2, which places it at a 3rd 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.