Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption
by Stephen King
Scribner 2020
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include corruption and abuse of power
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Genre
Themes
- hope vs. despair
- redemption
- friendship
- institutionalization
- justice and injustice
- corruption and abuse of power
- perseverance and patience
- freedom and confinement
- ingenuity and resilience
- revenge and moral reckoning
About this book
Stephen King’s classic novella follows banker Andy Dufresne, sentenced to life at Shawshank State Prison for murders he insists he didn’t commit. Narrated by fellow inmate Ellis “Red” Redding, the story traces decades of corruption, brutality, unlikely friendship, and a quietly orchestrated bid for freedom that transforms despair into enduring hope.
Setting: Shawshank State Prison, Maine, mid-20th century (c. 1940s–1970s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The reading level is AR 5.5, 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 hope vs. despair, redemption, friendship.
How long does it take to read Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption takes around 3.9h to finish. The book has 39,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption have an AR quiz?
Yes — Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption?
Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption has an AR reading level of 5.5, 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.