Tracker
by Gary Paulsen
Pocket Jeunesse 1984
Book 16 of Foreigner series
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Book 16 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- grief and healing
- coming of age
- nature and wilderness
- family bonds
- responsibility
- respect for animals
- tradition
- perseverance
About this book
Thirteen-year-old John Borne must hunt the family’s deer alone when his beloved grandfather becomes gravely ill. As he tracks a single doe through the northern woods, the long, quiet hours force him to face big questions about life, loss, and what it means to grow up. Paulsen’s spare, powerful writing delivers a reflective outdoor adventure that many readers find gripping and deeply moving. Ideal for middle-grade readers who enjoy nature stories and character-driven tales.
Setting: northern Minnesota woods during deer season
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tracker right for my child?
Yes — Tracker 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 grief and healing, coming of age, nature and wilderness. Note: this is book 16 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Tracker?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Tracker takes around 2.1h to finish. The book has 19,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tracker have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tracker has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Tracker?
Tracker 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.