Sink or swim
by Laura Dower
Hyperion 2003
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- self-confidence
- fitting in
- first crushes
- perseverance
- teamwork
- bullying and mean girls
About this book
Madison Finn is back in Far Hills, where summer fun comes with big decisions. When friends start talking swim team and pool parties, Madison has to face her fears and figure out where she fits. Between friendship drama, a possible crush, and pressure to keep up, she learns to speak up for herself. Told through Madison’s notes, emails, and lists, this is a fast, funny read perfect for tweens navigating middle-school life.
Setting: Far Hills, a suburban middle-school community; present day; school and community pool
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sink or swim right for my child?
Yes — Sink or swim is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th 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 friendship, self-confidence, fitting in.
How long does it take to read Sink or swim?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Sink or swim takes around 3.3h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Sink or swim have an AR quiz?
Yes — Sink or swim has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Sink or swim?
Sink or swim has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th 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.