Surfing
by Bill Gutman
Capstone Press 1995
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- adventure
- sportsmanship
- respect for nature
- ocean safety
- skill-building
- history of sport
About this book
This photo-rich introduction explains the basics of surfing—how waves form, the gear riders use, and the skills needed to catch and ride a wave safely. Readers also learn a bit of the sport’s history, famous breaks, and how competitions work. Clear text and action photos make it engaging for middle-grade sports fans and reluctant readers alike. Great for kids who love extreme sports or the ocean and want to know how surfers do what they do.
Setting: beaches and surf breaks around the world; contemporary
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfing right for my child?
Yes — Surfing is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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, adventure, sportsmanship.
How long does it take to read Surfing?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Surfing takes around 20m to finish. The book has 3,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Surfing have an AR quiz?
Yes — Surfing has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Surfing?
Surfing has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.