On my honor
Yearling Newbery 1986
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- honesty
- friendship
- guilt
- grief
- responsibility
- courage
- consequences
About this book
Best friends Joel and Tony are always testing limits, even when Joel promises his dad to play it safe. A detour to the river leads to a moment that changes everything, forcing Joel to confront what it truly means to keep his word. In the days that follow, he wrestles with guilt, fear, and the courage it takes to tell the truth. This brief, powerful novel resonates with middle graders who enjoy realistic stories that spark deep conversations.
Setting: a small Midwestern town along the Vermillion River, contemporary (1980s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is On my honor right for my child?
Yes — On my honor is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, 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 honesty, friendship, guilt.
How long does it take to read On my honor?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, On my honor takes around 1.9h to finish. The book has 17,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does On my honor have an AR quiz?
Yes — On my honor 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 On my honor?
On my honor has an AR reading level of 4.7, 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.