The Stone-Faced Boy
by Paula Fox, Professor of Entomology Fox, Charles
Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books 1982
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- emotional expression
- identity and self-discovery
- family dynamics
- loneliness and belonging
- trust
- empathy
- resilience
- human–animal bonds
About this book
Twelve-year-old Gus has learned to keep his face—and his feelings—carefully hidden. One eerie, snow-filled night, a rescued dog that wants nothing to do with him and a strange great-aunt who seems to see right through him force Gus to confront what he’s been holding inside. As the night unfolds, he begins to understand himself and the people who care about him in new ways. Thoughtful readers who like quiet, character-driven stories will be drawn to Gus’s journey toward trust and self-expression.
Setting: a snowbound Northeastern city, 1970s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Stone-Faced Boy right for my child?
Yes — The Stone-Faced Boy is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th 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 emotional expression, identity and self-discovery, family dynamics.
How long does it take to read The Stone-Faced Boy?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Stone-Faced Boy takes around 2.3h to finish. The book has 23,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Stone-Faced Boy have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Stone-Faced Boy has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Stone-Faced Boy?
The Stone-Faced Boy has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th 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.