We Dream of Space
A Newbery Honor Award Winner
by Erin Entrada Kelly
HarperCollins 2020
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- siblings and family dynamics
- identity and self-discovery
- friendship
- resilience
- dreams and ambition
- science and space
- school life
- coping with change
About this book
Set in 1986, this heartfelt story follows siblings Cash, Fitch, and Bird Nelson Thomas as their middle school prepares for the much-anticipated Challenger shuttle launch. Each sibling faces personal challenges—family tension, friendship struggles, and big dreams about the future—while a passionate science teacher sparks their curiosity about space. Told in alternating perspectives, the book blends everyday middle-school life with the wonder of discovery. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy realistic stories about family, science, and finding your place in the world.
Setting: suburban Delaware, 1986 (lead-up to the Challenger launch)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is We Dream of Space right for my child?
Yes — We Dream of Space 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 siblings and family dynamics, identity and self-discovery, friendship.
How long does it take to read We Dream of Space?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, We Dream of Space takes around 6.9h to finish. The book has 62,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does We Dream of Space have an AR quiz?
Yes — We Dream of Space has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 We Dream of Space?
We Dream of Space 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.