Oren Bell
by Barbara Hood Burgess, Barbara Burgess
Delacorte Books for Young Readers 1992
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- family
- friendship
- resilience
- identity
- grief
- responsibility
- belonging
About this book
Oren Bell follows a thoughtful early-teen boy as he navigates big changes at home and at school in a small town. When family pressures mount, Oren is pushed to grow up quickly, discovering strength he didn’t know he had and finding support in unexpected friendships. The story balances quiet humor with heartfelt moments, making it relatable to readers who enjoy character-driven, real-life situations. It’s a strong pick for middle schoolers who like realistic stories about family, friendship, and finding your voice.
Setting: a small American town, contemporary (early 1990s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oren Bell right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Oren Bell. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include family, friendship, resilience.
How long does it take to read Oren Bell?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Oren Bell takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 50,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Oren Bell have an AR quiz?
Yes — Oren Bell has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Oren Bell?
Oren Bell has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.