The Summer of the Swans
by Betsy Byars
Follettbound 1970
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include disability awareness
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Genre
Themes
- sibling bonds
- self-acceptance
- empathy
- family
- coming of age
- identity
- disability awareness
- resilience
About this book
Thirteen-year-old Sara Godfrey is having a tough summer—she’s restless, self-conscious, and annoyed by everything, especially her family. When a flock of swans appears on a nearby lake, it becomes a quiet symbol of change she can’t quite name. After her younger brother Charlie, who has a developmental disability, wanders off, Sara’s search forces her to look beyond herself and see her world differently. This classic Newbery winner resonates with thoughtful readers who enjoy character-driven stories about family, empathy, and growing up.
Setting: a small Appalachian town and nearby lake, summertime in the 1970s
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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 bonds, 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 3.3h to finish. The book has 30,000 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.