Trino's choice
by Diane Gonzales Bertrand
Piñata Books 2005
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.5 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Themes include violence and resilience
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- peer pressure
- choices and consequences
- grief and healing
- identity
- family responsibility
- violence and resilience
- mentorship
- coming of age
About this book
Thirteen-year-old Trino is trying to keep his head down in his San Antonio neighborhood after a family loss, but pressure from older boys and quick money make the wrong choices look easy. A caring teacher and new friends show him other paths, forcing Trino to decide who he wants to be. This realistic story speaks to readers who like everyday heroes, tough choices, and second chances. It’s a strong fit for middle schoolers and young teens.
Setting: contemporary San Antonio, Texas, urban neighborhood
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trino's choice right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Trino's choice. The reading level is AR 4.5, which is typical for 4th 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 peer pressure, choices and consequences, grief and healing.
How long does it take to read Trino's choice?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Trino's choice takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 28,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Trino's choice have an AR quiz?
Yes — Trino's choice 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 Trino's choice?
Trino's choice has an AR reading level of 4.5, which places it at a 4th 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.