What Eric knew
by James Howe
Aladdin 1985
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.7 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Themes include abuse and recovery
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- grief and loss
- secrets and truth
- courage
- trust
- abuse and recovery
- responsibility
- justice
About this book
After a seventh-grade boy named Eric dies suddenly, his best friend is left trying to understand what happened and why Eric seemed so troubled before his death. As he searches for answers, he begins to uncover a dangerous secret hidden in their seemingly safe community. This taut, realistic novel explores friendship, grief, and the courage it takes to speak up. It’s a thoughtful choice for mature middle school readers who like mystery layered with real-life issues.
Setting: a small suburban town, contemporary 1980s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What Eric knew right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for What Eric knew. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include friendship, grief and loss, secrets and truth.
How long does it take to read What Eric knew?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, What Eric knew takes around 3.7h to finish. The book has 33,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does What Eric knew have an AR quiz?
Yes — What Eric knew 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 What Eric knew?
What Eric knew has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.