These Are the Rules
by Paul Many
Knopf Books for Young Readers 1998
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family relationships
- perseverance
- self-discovery
- coming of age
- sportsmanship
- independence
- risk and responsibility
- first crush
About this book
After quitting the school swim team, Colm spends the summer at his family’s lake house determined to prove something to himself by attempting a risky long-distance swim. As he trains, he struggles with a strained relationship with his father and the confusing pull of first crushes. The story blends quiet humor with heartfelt moments as Colm figures out where limits end and courage begins. A great pick for middle-grade readers who like realistic stories about sports, family, and finding your own rules to live by.
Setting: a contemporary lakeside summer home in the Midwest
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is These Are the Rules right for my child?
Yes — These Are the Rules is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, 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 family relationships, perseverance, self-discovery.
How long does it take to read These Are the Rules?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, These Are the Rules takes around 4.1h to finish. The book has 37,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does These Are the Rules have an AR quiz?
Yes — These Are the Rules has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 These Are the Rules?
These Are the Rules has an AR reading level of 4.7, 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.