Tangerine
by Edward Bloor
Harcourt Brace 1997
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family dynamics
- bullying and intimidation
- truth and justice
- courage
- identity and self-acceptance
- sportsmanship and teamwork
- class and privilege
- environment and community
About this book
When Paul Fisher moves to the seemingly perfect town of Tangerine, Florida, he finds a place of sinkholes, muck fires, and secrets that no one wants to talk about. Determined to prove himself despite his severe vision problems, Paul joins the soccer team and begins to see the truth about his family and his new community. With sharp observations and growing courage, he pieces together what’s really going on at home and at school. Middle-grade readers are drawn to Paul’s voice, fast-paced sports moments, and the mystery simmering beneath a sunny suburb.
Setting: suburban Tangerine County, Florida, mid-1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tangerine right for my child?
Yes — Tangerine is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, 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 family dynamics, bullying and intimidation, truth and justice.
How long does it take to read Tangerine?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Tangerine takes around 8.1h to finish. The book has 72,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tangerine have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tangerine has an AR quiz available, worth 13 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 Tangerine?
Tangerine has an AR reading level of 4.3, 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.