Tex
by S. E. Hinton
Turtleback Books Distributed by Demco Media 1984
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- brotherhood
- coming of age
- family and responsibility
- loyalty and trust
- poverty and resilience
- identity and choices
- freedom vs. rules
About this book
Fifteen-year-old Tex McCormick is happiest riding horses and goofing around with his best friend, but life gets complicated when money troubles and family issues force him and his older brother to grow up fast. Set in small-town Oklahoma, the story follows Tex’s search for belonging and the push-pull between loyalty and independence. S. E. Hinton’s authentic teen voice, humor, and heart make this a compelling read for older middle schoolers and high schoolers. Readers who enjoy realistic stories about brothers, choices, and second chances will be hooked.
Setting: small-town Oklahoma, late 1970s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tex right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Tex. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th 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 brotherhood, coming of age, family and responsibility.
How long does it take to read Tex?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Tex takes around 6.3h to finish. The book has 62,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tex have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tex has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Tex?
Tex has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th 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.