Stronger Than You Know
by Jolene Perry
Albert Whitman & Company 2014
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.3 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include healing from trauma
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Genre
Themes
- healing from trauma
- resilience
- found family
- courage
- trust
- self-worth
- anxiety and mental health
- survival
About this book
Fifteen-year-old Joy has escaped years of abuse and is learning to rebuild her life with a caring aunt and uncle. New school hallways feel overwhelming, and panic attacks make every day a challenge—but small steps, new friends, and a safe home begin to change what she believes is possible. When she must testify in her mother’s trial, Joy draws on the support around her to find her voice. This powerful, hopeful story resonates with teens who appreciate honest, empathetic portrayals of trauma, healing, and found family.
Setting: a contemporary suburban community
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stronger Than You Know right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Stronger Than You Know. The reading level is AR 4.3, which is typical for 4th 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 healing from trauma, resilience, found family.
How long does it take to read Stronger Than You Know?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Stronger Than You Know takes around 7.5h to finish. The book has 68,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Stronger Than You Know have an AR quiz?
Yes — Stronger Than You Know has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Stronger Than You Know?
Stronger Than You Know has an AR reading level of 4.3, which places it at a 4th 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.