Weeping willow
by Ruth White
Farrar, Straus and Giroux 1994
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- sisterhood
- family secrets
- resilience
- poverty
- identity
- coming of age
- small-town life
About this book
Set in a small Appalachian town, this novel follows a quiet teen who finds refuge beneath a weeping willow as home life grows more complicated. When her glamorous older sister starts making risky choices, the narrator must decide how to protect the people she loves and who she wants to become. Told with Ruth White’s clear, heartfelt voice, it’s a tender portrait of sisterhood, secrets, and strength. Ideal for readers who enjoy realistic, character-driven stories with a strong sense of place.
Setting: a rural Appalachian town in Virginia, 1950s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Weeping willow right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Weeping willow. 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 sisterhood, family secrets, resilience.
How long does it take to read Weeping willow?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Weeping willow takes around 6.9h to finish. The book has 62,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Weeping willow have an AR quiz?
Yes — Weeping willow has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Weeping willow?
Weeping willow 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.