String music
by Rick Telander
Cricket Books 2002
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- teamwork
- self-confidence
- friendship
- family relationships
- mentorship
- sportsmanship
- pressure and expectations
About this book
String Music follows a middle-schooler who lives for the sound of a perfect swish—the ‘string music’ of basketball. As tryouts, tough practices, and game-day pressure mount, he navigates friendships, family expectations, and a demanding coach. Readers see him learn to trust his skills, be a better teammate, and find confidence on and off the court. Ideal for sports fans who enjoy fast-paced game action and a heartfelt look at what it takes to win the right way.
Setting: a Midwestern middle school and neighborhood basketball courts, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is String music right for my child?
Yes — String music 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 perseverance, teamwork, self-confidence.
How long does it take to read String music?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, String music takes around 4.0h to finish. The book has 36,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does String music have an AR quiz?
Yes — String music 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 String music?
String music 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.