Running scared
Morrow 1992
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- perseverance
- doing the right thing
- trust and teamwork
- integrity
- standing up to threats
- self-confidence
About this book
High-school runner Kevin is logging miles for the upcoming season when he stumbles into a dangerous situation that puts him in the sights of people who don’t want witnesses. Now he has to balance training, school, and protecting himself and his family while deciding who he can trust. Fast-paced and sports-focused, this suspenseful story blends track action with a gripping mystery. Great for middle-grade readers who like realistic sports stories with high stakes.
Setting: a small-town American community, early 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Running scared right for my child?
Yes — Running scared is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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 courage, perseverance, doing the right thing.
How long does it take to read Running scared?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Running scared takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 50,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Running scared have an AR quiz?
Yes — Running scared has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Running scared?
Running scared has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.