
A Night Without Stars
by James Howe
Simon and Schuster 1996
Book 2 of The Chronicle of the Fallers
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.9 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
Book 2 in a series — earlier books first
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About this book
When eleven-year-old Maria must go to the hospital for open-heart surgery, she finds strength in her friendship with a badly scarred burn victim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Night Without Stars right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for A Night Without Stars. The reading level is AR 3.9, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Note: this is book 2 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read A Night Without Stars?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, A Night Without Stars takes around 6.0h to finish. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Night Without Stars have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Night Without Stars has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 A Night Without Stars?
A Night Without Stars has an AR reading level of 3.9, which places it at a 3rd 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.