Searching for David's Heart
Dramatic Pub Co 2002
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.5 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- grief and healing
- guilt and forgiveness
- sibling bonds
- friendship
- organ donation
- self-discovery
- hope
- road trip/quest
About this book
After a tragic accident, Darcy Deeton is consumed by guilt over the loss of her beloved older brother, David. Believing that meeting the person who received David’s donated heart might help her heal, she sets off on a brave road trip with her best friend. Along the way, Darcy confronts grief, learns about forgiveness, and begins to rediscover hope. This heartfelt, accessible story resonates with upper–middle grade readers who like realistic, emotionally rich novels.
Setting: contemporary United States; small Midwestern town and a multi-state road trip
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Searching for David's Heart right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Searching for David's Heart. The reading level is AR 4.5, 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 grief and healing, guilt and forgiveness, sibling bonds.
How long does it take to read Searching for David's Heart?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Searching for David's Heart takes around 4.7h to finish. The book has 42,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Searching for David's Heart have an AR quiz?
Yes — Searching for David's Heart 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 Searching for David's Heart?
Searching for David's Heart has an AR reading level of 4.5, 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.