Wild roses
by Deb Caletti
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 2008
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.7 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- mental health
- first love
- family dynamics
- stepfamilies
- art and performance pressure
- identity and independence
- boundaries and control
- trust and honesty
About this book
Cassie’s life tilts off balance when her mother marries Dino Cavalli, a brilliant but volatile violinist whose moods rise and fall with the pressure of his next big concert. As Cassie is drawn to Ian, one of Dino’s gifted students, she must navigate first love while living in a house where genius and instability collide. With humor, heart, and sharp insight, the story explores what it costs to keep secrets and where to draw the line with people you love. Perfect for teens who enjoy realistic romance, family drama, and stories set in the world of music.
Setting: contemporary Seattle/Puget Sound area; the classical music world
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wild roses right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Wild roses. The reading level is AR 5.7, 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 mental health, first love, family dynamics.
How long does it take to read Wild roses?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Wild roses takes around 8.6h to finish. The book has 85,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Wild roses have an AR quiz?
Yes — Wild roses has an AR quiz available, worth 12 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 Wild roses?
Wild roses has an AR reading level of 5.7, 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.