Ordinary People
A Novel
by Judith Guest
Penguin 1982
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- grief and loss
- mental health and depression
- family dynamics
- guilt and forgiveness
- healing and resilience
- communication and misunderstanding
- identity and self-acceptance
About this book
After a tragic loss, high schooler Conrad Jarrett struggles with grief, depression, and the pressure to seem okay while his parents cope in very different ways. With the help of therapy and tentative steps back into everyday life, the family begins to face what they’ve been avoiding. The novel is emotionally honest and character-driven, making it a strong choice for mature teens and parents to discuss mental health and communication. Readers are drawn to its compassionate look at healing and the hope that comes from connection.
Setting: an affluent suburb outside Chicago, late 1970s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ordinary People right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Ordinary People. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include grief and loss, mental health and depression, family dynamics.
How long does it take to read Ordinary People?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Ordinary People takes around 7.9h to finish. The book has 78,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ordinary People have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ordinary People has an AR quiz available, worth 12 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 Ordinary People?
Ordinary People has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.