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Wish me luck book cover

Wish me luck

by James Heneghan

Demco Media 1998

Great fit for 5th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

Themes include war and conflict

5th grade English
172
Pages
5
AR Points
5.0h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Historical Fiction

Themes

  • survival
  • courage
  • war and conflict
  • family and separation
  • resilience
  • hope
  • friendship
  • identity

About this book

Set during World War II, this historical novel follows a boy from Liverpool who is sent overseas as an evacuee to escape the Blitz. Far from home, he faces danger at sea and must rely on courage, quick thinking, and the help of others. The story blends action and emotion, giving readers a vivid look at the era through a kid’s eyes. It’s a strong pick for middle-grade readers who like survival stories and true-to-life history.

Setting: Liverpool and the North Atlantic during World War II (early 1940s)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wish me luck right for my child?

Yes — Wish me luck is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th 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 survival, courage, war and conflict.

How long does it take to read Wish me luck?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Wish me luck takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 50,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Wish me luck have an AR quiz?

Yes — Wish me luck has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Wish me luck?

Wish me luck has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th 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.