We Were Here
Delacorte Books for Young Readers 2009
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- guilt and redemption
- friendship
- identity
- second chances
- grief
- survival
- family
- hope
About this book
After a tragic mistake lands Miguel in a group home, he breaks out with two other teens and heads down the California coast, keeping a raw, honest journal of their journey. As they aim for the Mexican border, the boys face tough choices, unexpected kindness, and the weight of their pasts. This gritty, voice-driven road story explores guilt, friendship, and second chances. It resonates with older teens who like realistic fiction with heart, humor, and hope.
Setting: contemporary California coast and the U.S.–Mexico border area
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is We Were Here right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for We Were Here. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 guilt and redemption, friendship, identity.
How long does it take to read We Were Here?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, We Were Here takes around 8.1h to finish. The book has 80,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does We Were Here have an AR quiz?
Yes — We Were Here 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 We Were Here?
We Were Here has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.