Price of silence
by Judy Baer
Bethany House Publishers 1994
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- integrity
- peer pressure
- friendship
- faith
- courage
- consequences of choices
- responsibility
- forgiveness
About this book
In this contemporary Christian young adult novel, a teen is caught between loyalty to friends and doing what’s right after witnessing something she can’t easily ignore. As pressure mounts at school and at home, her silence begins to carry a heavy cost. The story explores faith, integrity, and the courage it takes to speak up. Readers who enjoy realistic school drama with a strong moral core will be drawn in.
Setting: a small Midwestern town and high school, 1990s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Price of silence right for my child?
Yes — Price of silence is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th 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 integrity, peer pressure, friendship.
How long does it take to read Price of silence?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Price of silence takes around 3.9h to finish. The book has 39,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Price of silence have an AR quiz?
Yes — Price of silence has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Price of silence?
Price of silence has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th 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.