Yesterday's child
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 1997
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.1 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- family secrets
- memory and the past
- belonging
- grief and healing
- self-discovery
- mystery
- choices and consequences
About this book
A contemporary teen begins experiencing vivid echoes of a life that isn’t hers—memories and clues that point to a long-buried family secret. Drawn to an old house and fragments of the past, she sets out to uncover who the “yesterday’s child” was and how their stories connect. As the mystery deepens, she must decide whom to trust and what to believe about her own identity. Thoughtful and suspenseful, this is a great pick for teens who enjoy family mysteries with a touch of the uncanny.
Setting: contemporary suburb with ties to a past era
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yesterday's child right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Yesterday's child. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 identity, family secrets, memory and the past.
How long does it take to read Yesterday's child?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Yesterday's child takes around 7.9h to finish. The book has 78,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Yesterday's child have an AR quiz?
Yes — Yesterday's child has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Yesterday's child?
Yesterday's child has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.