Where are you when I need you?
by Suzanne Newton
Bt Bound 1993
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- family responsibility
- resilience
- friendship
- trust and communication
- independence
- identity
- community support
- coming of age
About this book
A thoughtful realistic novel about a young teen who suddenly finds herself carrying more responsibility at home than any kid should. When the adults in her life aren’t there in the ways she needs, she juggles school, friends, and family obligations while learning how to speak up and ask for help. Readers will connect with the honest voice, everyday drama, and small moments of humor and hope. It’s a compassionate story for middle schoolers ready for deeper themes without heavy content.
Setting: a contemporary small Southern town, early 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Where are you when I need you? right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Where are you when I need you?. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 family responsibility, resilience, friendship.
How long does it take to read Where are you when I need you??
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Where are you when I need you? takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 50,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Where are you when I need you? have an AR quiz?
Yes — Where are you when I need you? 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 Where are you when I need you??
Where are you when I need you? has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.