To have and to hold
by Laura Dower
Volo/Hyperion 2004
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.1 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- family change
- friendship
- first love
- identity
- growing up
- trust
- responsibility
- weddings and remarriage
About this book
A contemporary coming-of-age story about a teen whose life gets turned upside down when wedding plans take over her world. Between shifting friendships, family changes, and a new crush, she has to figure out what commitment really means and where she fits. Readers who enjoy realistic drama, humor, and heartfelt moments will connect with the relatable voice and everyday dilemmas. Perfect for middle schoolers and young teens ready for a slightly older, true-to-life read.
Setting: a contemporary suburban town and high school
Frequently Asked Questions
Is To have and to hold right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for To have and to hold. The reading level is AR 5.1, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include family change, friendship, first love.
How long does it take to read To have and to hold?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, To have and to hold takes around 7.6h to finish. The book has 75,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does To have and to hold have an AR quiz?
Yes — To have and to hold has an AR quiz available, worth 11 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 To have and to hold?
To have and to hold has an AR reading level of 5.1, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.