Pigman's Legacy
by Paul Zindel
Random House, Incorporated 1981
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 healing
- friendship
- guilt and forgiveness
- loneliness and aging
- responsibility
- second chances
- identity
- choices and consequences
About this book
In this sequel to The Pigman, teens John and Lorraine are still struggling with grief and guilt when they meet a lonely, ailing man who reminds them of their late friend. Their unexpected friendship helps them confront the past and figure out what kind of people they want to be. Told in the familiar, honest teen voices of the first book, it blends humor with heartfelt moments. Short chapters and a fast pace make it a strong pick for readers who like realistic stories about second chances.
Setting: Staten Island/New York City, late 1970s–early 1980s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pigman's Legacy right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Pigman's Legacy. 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 healing, friendship, guilt and forgiveness.
How long does it take to read Pigman's Legacy?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Pigman's Legacy takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Pigman's Legacy have an AR quiz?
Yes — Pigman's Legacy has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Pigman's Legacy?
Pigman's Legacy 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.