Saving Damaris
by Laura Leonard
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing 1989
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- compassion
- family and responsibility
- advocacy and social justice
- friendship
- foster care and adoption
- identity
- resilience
- ethical dilemmas
About this book
When a caring teenager crosses paths with a vulnerable child named Damaris, she’s pulled into a tangle of big feelings and even bigger decisions. Determined to help, she learns how complicated the world of hospitals, foster care, and family can be—and how far compassion and persistence can go. Written in a realistic, conversational voice, the story invites readers to consider what it means to take responsibility and to advocate for someone who can’t do it alone. It’s an emotional, thought‑provoking read for middle schoolers and young teens who like true‑to‑life stories.
Setting: contemporary urban community and hospital, late 1980s
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saving Damaris right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Saving Damaris. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th 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 compassion, family and responsibility, advocacy and social justice.
How long does it take to read Saving Damaris?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Saving Damaris takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 55,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Saving Damaris have an AR quiz?
Yes — Saving Damaris 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 Saving Damaris?
Saving Damaris has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th 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.