Shadows in the Twilight
Delacorte Books for Young Readers 2010
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- gratitude
- coming of age
- father-son relationships
- conscience and morality
- friendship
- identity
- fate vs. choice
- resilience
About this book
Nearly twelve-year-old Joel survives a terrifying bus accident in a small Swedish town in 1957 and becomes convinced he’s been given a second chance. Determined to repay this miracle, he sets out to do a truly good deed—though finding the right one isn’t as simple as he hopes. As Joel navigates friendships, first crushes, and life with his single father, he wrestles with questions of fate, honesty, and what it means to be brave. Thoughtful and quietly suspenseful, this sequel appeals to readers who enjoy reflective, character-driven stories.
Setting: a small town in northern Sweden, 1957
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shadows in the Twilight right for my child?
Yes — Shadows in the Twilight is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, 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 gratitude, coming of age, father-son relationships.
How long does it take to read Shadows in the Twilight?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Shadows in the Twilight takes around 4.8h to finish. The book has 48,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Shadows in the Twilight have an AR quiz?
Yes — Shadows in the Twilight 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 Shadows in the Twilight?
Shadows in the Twilight has an AR reading level of 5, 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.