Permanent connections
by Sue Ellen Bridgers
HarperCollinsPublishers 1988
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- family dynamics
- identity
- divorce and remarriage
- friendship
- loyalty
- forgiveness
- small-town life
- coming of age
About this book
In this realistic coming-of-age novel, a teen navigates shifting family ties and the push-pull of friendship in a small Southern town. As parents make choices that ripple through his life, he’s forced to decide what—and who—truly matters. Readers who like thoughtful, character-driven stories will connect with the emotional honesty and sense of place. It’s a strong pick for teens ready for mature themes handled with compassion and nuance.
Setting: small-town North Carolina, 1980s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Permanent connections right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Permanent connections. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th 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 family dynamics, identity, divorce and remarriage.
How long does it take to read Permanent connections?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Permanent connections takes around 7.5h to finish. The book has 68,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Permanent connections have an AR quiz?
Yes — Permanent connections has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Permanent connections?
Permanent connections has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th 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.