Telling Christina goodbye
Bantam Books 2002
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- grief and loss
- first love
- choices and consequences
- family support
- guilt and forgiveness
- healing and hope
- friendship
- resilience
About this book
This emotional contemporary novel follows a high school couple whose world is shattered by a sudden tragedy, leaving one teen struggling with love, guilt, and the hardest choices he’s ever faced. Told with Lurlene McDaniel’s signature sensitivity, it explores how families and friends cope when life changes in an instant. Short chapters and clear, accessible writing make it a strong pick for teens who like realistic, heartfelt stories. Perfect for readers who enjoy tear-jerkers and books about resilience and healing.
Setting: contemporary small-town United States, mainly high school and home settings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Telling Christina goodbye right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Telling Christina goodbye. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 grief and loss, first love, choices and consequences.
How long does it take to read Telling Christina goodbye?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Telling Christina goodbye takes around 6.5h to finish. The book has 58,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Telling Christina goodbye have an AR quiz?
Yes — Telling Christina goodbye 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 Telling Christina goodbye?
Telling Christina goodbye has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.