Parents wanted
Milkweed Editions 2001
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- adoption
- family and belonging
- trust
- second chances
- identity
- resilience
- healing
- choices and consequences
About this book
A 12-year-old boy who has bounced through foster homes gets a chance at a permanent family, but he isn’t sure he can trust anyone enough to stay. Told in a candid, first-person voice, the story follows his tests, mistakes, and small steps toward believing he belongs. It’s a realistic, emotionally honest look at adoption and what it takes to build a family. Perfect for middle-grade readers who like character-driven stories with heart and hope.
Setting: contemporary small-town America
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parents wanted right for my child?
Yes — Parents wanted 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 adoption, family and belonging, trust.
How long does it take to read Parents wanted?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Parents wanted takes around 6.7h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Parents wanted have an AR quiz?
Yes — Parents wanted has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Parents wanted?
Parents wanted 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.