Postcards to father Abraham
by Catherine Lewis
Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2000
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- family dynamics
- faith and doubt
- growing up
- friendship
- first love
- resilience
- self-expression
About this book
Told entirely through sharp, funny postcards, a thoughtful teen writes to the biblical patriarch Abraham as she navigates family upheaval, questions of faith, and the awkward ups and downs of early high school. Her brief notes capture big feelings—about friendship, first crushes, and figuring out who she is—without ever feeling heavy-handed. The unique format makes the story fast and relatable, while the voice feels honest and real. A great pick for readers who like contemporary stories about identity and family with a fresh, personal twist.
Setting: contemporary United States, in a Jewish community
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Postcards to father Abraham right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Postcards to father Abraham. The reading level is AR 5.5, 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 identity, family dynamics, faith and doubt.
How long does it take to read Postcards to father Abraham?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Postcards to father Abraham takes around 6.9h to finish. The book has 68,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Postcards to father Abraham have an AR quiz?
Yes — Postcards to father Abraham 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 Postcards to father Abraham?
Postcards to father Abraham has an AR reading level of 5.5, 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.