Saving Francesca
Thorndike Press 2004
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- family
- mental health
- identity
- resilience
- belonging
- first love
- finding your voice
About this book
Francesca Spinelli is starting at a once all-boys Catholic school that’s just gone co-ed, and nothing feels familiar. When her vibrant mother sinks into a deep depression, Francesca has to find her voice and lean on a new, unlikely group of friends. With sharp humor and tender insight, the story explores family, identity, and first love. Teens enjoy its honest look at mental health and friendships that feel real and hard-won.
Setting: contemporary Sydney, Australia; a newly co-ed Catholic high school
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saving Francesca right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Saving Francesca. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include friendship, family, mental health.
How long does it take to read Saving Francesca?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Saving Francesca takes around 6.8h to finish. The book has 67,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Saving Francesca have an AR quiz?
Yes — Saving Francesca has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Francesca?
Saving Francesca has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.