Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas
by James Patterson
Little, Brown 2001
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- love and loss
- grief and healing
- family and motherhood
- second chances
- secrets and truth
- forgiveness
- epistolary storytelling
- trust
About this book
Editor Katie Wilkinson believes she’s found the perfect partner—until he vanishes, leaving only a diary to explain. Written by a young mother, Suzanne, to her infant son, Nicholas, the diary recounts a tender love story, the building of a family, and a heartbreaking loss. As Katie reads, she uncovers the truth about the man she loves and must decide whether hope and second chances can overcome grief and secrets.
Setting: New York City and coastal New England (Martha’s Vineyard/Cape Cod area), late 1990s–early 2000s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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 love and loss, grief and healing, family and motherhood.
How long does it take to read Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas takes around 4.6h to finish. The book has 45,927 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas have an AR quiz?
Yes — Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas?
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.