We Were Liars
by E. Lockhart
Thorndike Striving Reader 2021
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include grief and trauma
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Genre
Themes
- family secrets
- privilege and wealth
- memory and identity
- first love
- grief and trauma
- truth vs. lies
- loyalty
- guilt
About this book
Cadence Sinclair spends her summers on her family’s private island, where privilege, first love, and a close-knit group of friends hide deeper cracks beneath the surface. After a mysterious accident, Cadence’s memories don’t add up, and she’s determined to uncover the truth. Told in lyrical, fragmented prose, the story invites readers to piece together secrets alongside the narrator. Ideal for teens who enjoy twisty, emotional mysteries with a strong sense of place.
Setting: a wealthy family’s private island off the coast of Massachusetts, present day summers
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is We Were Liars right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for We Were Liars. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th 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 family secrets, privilege and wealth, memory and identity.
How long does it take to read We Were Liars?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, We Were Liars takes around 6.3h to finish. The book has 56,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does We Were Liars have an AR quiz?
Yes — We Were Liars has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Liars?
We Were Liars has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th 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.