What Beauty There Is
A Novel
by Cory Anderson
Macmillan + ORM 2021
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include violence and trauma
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- family loyalty
- poverty
- first love
- violence and trauma
- moral choices
- hope and resilience
About this book
In a stark Idaho winter, Jack is desperate to keep his little brother safe after their world falls apart. Ava, raised in isolation by a ruthless father, has learned not to trust—until Jack. Their lives collide in a high-stakes struggle where love, loyalty, and survival are on the line. Gritty and heartfelt, this YA thriller resonates with teens who like intense, emotionally honest stories.
Setting: rural Idaho in winter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What Beauty There Is right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for What Beauty There Is. 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 survival, family loyalty, poverty.
How long does it take to read What Beauty There Is?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, What Beauty There Is takes around 8.7h to finish. The book has 78,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does What Beauty There Is have an AR quiz?
Yes — What Beauty There Is 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 What Beauty There Is?
What Beauty There Is 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.