The Summer of the Swans
by Betsy Byars
Penguin 1981
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- sibling relationships
- self-acceptance
- empathy
- coming of age
- family
- responsibility
- identity
- nature
About this book
Fourteen-year-old Sara Godfrey is having a restless summer—unhappy with her looks, touchy about everything, and fiercely protective of her younger brother Charlie, who has an intellectual disability. The return of the swans to a nearby pond captivates Charlie and unsettles Sara in ways she can’t explain. When a sudden crisis upends their routine, Sara must look beyond her own frustrations to find courage and compassion. This Newbery Medal classic resonates with middle graders who enjoy heartfelt, character-driven stories with a hint of suspense and the pull of the natural world.
Setting: a small town in West Virginia, 1970s summer
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Summer of the Swans right for my child?
Yes — The Summer of the Swans is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 sibling relationships, self-acceptance, empathy.
How long does it take to read The Summer of the Swans?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Summer of the Swans takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 28,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Summer of the Swans have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Summer of the Swans has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Summer of the Swans?
The Summer of the Swans has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.