Stories of My Life
Penguin 2014
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 7.3 (7th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- creativity and the writing life
- family and belonging
- resilience
- cross-cultural experiences
- faith and hope
- identity
- perseverance
- memory and storytelling
About this book
Katherine Paterson shares the personal stories that shaped her life and inspired beloved books like Bridge to Terabithia. From a childhood in China to years in Japan and family life in Maryland, she reflects with warmth, humor, and honesty on faith, creativity, and becoming a writer. Readers get a behind-the-scenes look at how real experiences became unforgettable characters and stories. Ideal for teens and fans of Paterson’s novels who enjoy inspiring true-life journeys and the writing process.
Setting: Memoir spanning China, Japan, and the United States from the mid-20th century to the present
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stories of My Life right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Stories of My Life. The reading level is AR 7.3, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include creativity and the writing life, family and belonging, resilience.
How long does it take to read Stories of My Life?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Stories of My Life takes around 9.1h to finish. The book has 95,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Stories of My Life have an AR quiz?
Yes — Stories of My Life has an AR quiz available, worth 13 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 Stories of My Life?
Stories of My Life has an AR reading level of 7.3, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.