Rescuing Dad
by Pete Johnson
Random House 2001
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- divorce and separation
- family dynamics
- sibling teamwork
- humor and schemes
- self-improvement
- loyalty
- coping with change
- new relationships and stepfamilies
- domestic responsibilities
About this book
When their parents split, Jon and Claire decide the only way to get Mum and Dad back together is to transform their hapless father—teaching him to cook, clean, and pull himself together. Their plan unravels when Mum starts dating slick, creepy Roger, and the siblings must up their game to rescue Dad and their family.
Setting: Contemporary suburban England; primarily home, school, and local neighborhood
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rescuing Dad right for my child?
Yes — Rescuing Dad 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 divorce and separation, family dynamics, sibling teamwork.
How long does it take to read Rescuing Dad?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Rescuing Dad takes around 6.0h to finish. The book has 54,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Rescuing Dad have an AR quiz?
Yes — Rescuing Dad has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Rescuing Dad?
Rescuing Dad 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.