The Unteachables
Balzer & Bray/Harperteen 2020
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- second chances
- found family
- belonging
- empathy
- identity
- teamwork
- resilience
- school life
About this book
When a burned-out teacher gets assigned to the school’s most infamous class of misfits, nobody expects much—least of all the kids in Room 117. But as these so-called "Unteachables" and their reluctant teacher collide, they start to uncover hidden strengths and fresh chances to try again. With fast-paced humor and short, punchy chapters, this is a feel-good school story about second chances and unlikely teamwork. Perfect for middle-grade readers who love realistic, funny books with big heart.
Setting: a contemporary small-town middle school (Room 117)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Unteachables right for my child?
Yes — The Unteachables is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 second chances, found family, belonging.
How long does it take to read The Unteachables?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Unteachables takes around 6.3h to finish. The book has 62,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Unteachables have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Unteachables has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Unteachables?
The Unteachables has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.