Taking Chances
by Lauren Brooke
Tandem Library 2001
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- healing from loss
- trust
- responsibility
- second chances
- animal rescue and care
- family bonds
- courage
- self-discovery
About this book
At Heartland, a farm dedicated to healing troubled horses, Amy Fleming is learning that helping animals sometimes means taking risks. When a new challenge arrives, she must decide how much to trust her instincts—and the people around her—while balancing responsibility to the horses she loves. Set against the rolling hills of Virginia, this installment blends barn drama, gentle suspense, and emotional growth. Perfect for horse lovers and middle school readers who enjoy realistic stories about animals, family, and second chances.
Setting: a horse-rehabilitation farm in rural Virginia, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taking Chances right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Taking Chances. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include healing from loss, trust, responsibility.
How long does it take to read Taking Chances?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Taking Chances takes around 4.8h to finish. The book has 47,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Taking Chances have an AR quiz?
Yes — Taking Chances has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Taking Chances?
Taking Chances has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.