Sparrow Hawk Red
Hyperion Books for Children 1993
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- courage
- justice and revenge
- grief and healing
- identity and belonging
- friendship and loyalty
- perseverance
- risk-taking
- crime and consequences
About this book
After his mother is killed by drug smugglers, a 13-year-old Mexican American boy heads into Mexico to take down the ring responsible. Posing as a street kid, he bravely infiltrates the operation and sets his sights on an ultralight plane called the Sparrow Hawk that the smugglers use. Fast-paced action, undercover danger, and close calls keep pages turning. A great pick for middle school readers who enjoy high-stakes adventure with heart.
Setting: U.S.–Mexico border; northern Mexico desert airstrips and border towns, contemporary 1990s
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sparrow Hawk Red right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Sparrow Hawk Red. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th 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 courage, justice and revenge, grief and healing.
How long does it take to read Sparrow Hawk Red?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Sparrow Hawk Red takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Sparrow Hawk Red have an AR quiz?
Yes — Sparrow Hawk Red 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 Sparrow Hawk Red?
Sparrow Hawk Red has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th 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.