Under Currents
by Nora Roberts
Hachette UK 2019
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.7 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include domestic violence, trauma and recovery
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Genre
Themes
- domestic violence
- trauma and recovery
- resilience
- healing and second chances
- family secrets
- community support
- love and trust
- justice and revenge
- survivorship
- small-town life
About this book
Zane Bigelow grows up in a picture-perfect house that hides brutal abuse. Years later, he returns to his North Carolina hometown to rebuild his life and meets Darby, a talented landscaper with a painful past of her own. As they find healing and love, the darkness they escaped resurfaces, forcing them to confront old threats and protect the new life they’re creating.
Setting: Contemporary small-town North Carolina (Lakeview/Lakeview Terrace; Blue Ridge Mountains)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Under Currents right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Under Currents. The reading level is AR 5.7, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include domestic violence, trauma and recovery, resilience.
How long does it take to read Under Currents?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Under Currents takes around 14h to finish. The book has 138,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Under Currents have an AR quiz?
Yes — Under Currents has an AR quiz available, worth 21 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 Under Currents?
Under Currents has an AR reading level of 5.7, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.