Switching well
Puffin Books 1993
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- identity
- time travel
- empathy
- culture clash
- family dynamics
- gender roles and expectations
- resilience
- adaptation
About this book
Two girls living a century apart in San Antonio, Texas, each desperate to escape her own life, make a wish at an old well—and switch places across time. One must navigate corsets, strict rules, and 1890s household expectations, while the other faces the speed and noise of late 20th-century life. As they struggle to fit in, they learn empathy for the challenges of the other’s world and discover strengths they didn’t know they had. Readers who love time-travel twists and rich historical detail will be hooked.
Setting: San Antonio, Texas; 1891 and 1991
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Switching well right for my child?
Yes — Switching well is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th 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 identity, time travel, empathy.
How long does it take to read Switching well?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Switching well takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Switching well have an AR quiz?
Yes — Switching well has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Switching well?
Switching well has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th 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.