The Small Rain
A Novel
Macmillan 1985
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.3 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- grief and healing
- ambition and artistry
- identity and self-discovery
- mentorship
- first love
- resilience
- independence
- coming of age
About this book
Katherine Forrester grows up in the world of music, shaped by loss and determined to become a concert pianist. From New York practice rooms to a European conservatory, she faces strict teachers, complicated friendships, and the pressures of talent and ambition. Madeleine L’Engle’s first novel is a thoughtful coming-of-age story about art, grief, and identity. Best for older teens who enjoy character-driven fiction and stories about the performing arts.
Setting: New York City and a Swiss conservatory, 1930s–1940s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Small Rain right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Small Rain. The reading level is AR 6.3, which is typical for 6th 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 healing, ambition and artistry, identity and self-discovery.
How long does it take to read The Small Rain?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Small Rain takes around 11h to finish. The book has 116,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Small Rain have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Small Rain has an AR quiz available, worth 18 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 Small Rain?
The Small Rain has an AR reading level of 6.3, which places it at a 6th 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.