Whisper goodbye
by Dorothy Nafus Morrison
Atheneum 1985
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- grief
- family relationships
- friendship
- healing and resilience
- change and acceptance
- identity
- communication
About this book
A thoughtful, character-driven story about a young teen facing change, loss, and the fragile bonds that hold a family together. After a season of upheaval, she leans on new friendships and unexpected mentors while learning how to say goodbye and still move forward. Quiet moments, honest feelings, and believable dialogue make this a strong pick for readers who like realistic stories. Perfect for middle graders ready for deeper themes told with sensitivity and hope.
Setting: contemporary small-town America, 1980s
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whisper goodbye right for my child?
Yes — Whisper goodbye is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include grief, family relationships, friendship.
How long does it take to read Whisper goodbye?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Whisper goodbye takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 43,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Whisper goodbye have an AR quiz?
Yes — Whisper goodbye 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 Whisper goodbye?
Whisper goodbye has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th 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.