Stolen children
by Peg Kehret
Dutton Children's Books 2008
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- resourcefulness
- responsibility
- survival
- family bonds
- good vs. evil
- problem-solving
- perseverance
About this book
When responsible seventh-grader Amy takes a last-minute babysitting job, she and her young charge are abducted and forced to make ransom videos. Using calm thinking and quick problem-solving, Amy begins slipping clues into the recordings, hoping someone will notice. This fast-paced suspense story is perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy smart, brave protagonists and high-stakes situations. Kids love the tense twists, clever clues, and the empowering message about courage under pressure.
Setting: contemporary Pacific Northwest; suburban neighborhood and a remote cabin
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stolen children right for my child?
Yes — Stolen children is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, 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 courage, resourcefulness, responsibility.
How long does it take to read Stolen children?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Stolen children takes around 4.1h to finish. The book has 37,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Stolen children have an AR quiz?
Yes — Stolen children 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 Stolen children?
Stolen children has an AR reading level of 4.3, 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.