On The Wings of Heroes
by Richard Peck
Dial 2007
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include wartime home front
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Genre
Themes
- family
- community
- patriotism
- heroism
- coming of age
- resilience
- nostalgia
- wartime home front
About this book
Set on the American home front during World War II, this story follows Davy Bowman as his tight-knit Midwestern town pulls together through rationing, scrap drives, and everyday acts of courage. With humor and heart, Davy watches heroes at home and abroad—especially his beloved older brother, a pilot in the war. Richard Peck’s warm, nostalgic voice captures the small moments that add up to big bravery. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy historical stories with strong family bonds and gentle wit.
Setting: a small Midwestern American town during World War II (1940s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is On The Wings of Heroes right for my child?
Yes — On The Wings of Heroes 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, community, patriotism.
How long does it take to read On The Wings of Heroes?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, On The Wings of Heroes takes around 5.1h to finish. The book has 46,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does On The Wings of Heroes have an AR quiz?
Yes — On The Wings of Heroes has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 The Wings of Heroes?
On The Wings of Heroes 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.