Wolf at the door
by Barbara Corcoran
Maxwell Macmillan International 1993
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.1 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- family responsibility
- resilience
- financial hardship
- trust
- courage
- independence
- community support
- suspense
About this book
A contemporary coming-of-age story about a teen who must shoulder new responsibilities when trouble closes in on her family. As money grows tight and tensions rise, she navigates friendships, trust, and the fear that the "wolf at the door" may be more than a figure of speech. Readers follow her determined search for safety and stability while she learns to lean on her own courage and the people who truly have her back. Thoughtful and suspenseful, it resonates with readers who enjoy realistic stakes and strong, resilient protagonists.
Setting: a small American town, early 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wolf at the door right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Wolf at the door. The reading level is AR 5.1, which is typical for 5th 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, financial hardship.
How long does it take to read Wolf at the door?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Wolf at the door takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 53,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Wolf at the door have an AR quiz?
Yes — Wolf at the door 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 Wolf at the door?
Wolf at the door has an AR reading level of 5.1, which places it at a 5th 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.