The Silver Balloon
by Susan Bonners
Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR) 1997
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- mystery
- communication and letters
- curiosity
- kindness
- empathy
- community
- problem-solving
About this book
Fourth-grader Gregory launches a silver helium balloon with his name and address attached—and is stunned when it brings back an unexpected friend and a trail of mysterious gifts. As the exchange grows, Gregory must puzzle out clues while navigating school, family, and the excitement of a secret correspondence. This gentle, realistic mystery is perfect for grades 3–5 and emerging chapter-book readers. Kids enjoy the suspense, the relatable school-life details, and the warm message about connection and kindness.
Setting: a contemporary American town, primarily at school and in Gregory’s neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Silver Balloon right for my child?
Yes — The Silver Balloon is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.2, 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 friendship, mystery, communication and letters.
How long does it take to read The Silver Balloon?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Silver Balloon takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 18,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Silver Balloon have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Silver Balloon has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 The Silver Balloon?
The Silver Balloon has an AR reading level of 4.2, 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.