Space race
by Sylvia Waugh
Random House Children's Books 2000
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- belonging
- family loyalty
- secrets and truth
- friendship
- choices and consequences
- culture clash
- home and leaving home
About this book
A boy who has always blended in at school discovers a life‑changing family secret: they aren’t from Earth. When a recall order threatens to uproot him from the only home he knows, he’s torn between loyalty to his family and the friendships he’s built on Earth. The story blends everyday school life with a tense, quietly thrilling science‑fiction mystery. It’s a great pick for middle‑grade readers who enjoy character-driven adventures about identity, belonging, and big choices.
Setting: contemporary England; small town and school life with glimpses of interstellar travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Space race right for my child?
Yes — Space race is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.4, 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 identity, belonging, family loyalty.
How long does it take to read Space race?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Space race takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 55,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Space race have an AR quiz?
Yes — Space race has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Space race?
Space race has an AR reading level of 5.4, 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.