Crash

About this book

Take a look behind the bully in this modern classic from Newbery medalist Jerry Spinelli that packs a punch. And don't miss the highly anticipated new novel, Dead Wednesday. Cocky seventh-grade super-jock Crash Coogan got his nickname the day he used his first football helmet to knock his cousin Bridget flat on her backside. And he has been running over people ever since, especially Penn Webb, the dweeby, vegetarian Quaker kid who lives down the block.

Similar grade-level books

• 
  To Kill a Mockingbird
  Harper Lee · 870L
  Get it on Amazon→
• 
  Of Mice and Men
  John Steinbeck · 630L
  Get it on Amazon→
• 
  The Giver
  Lois Lowry · 760L
  Get it on Amazon→
• 
  The Outsiders
  S.E. Hinton · 750L
  Get it on Amazon→

See all books like Crash→ — matched on theme + reading level.

Why widely assigned

This Adventure title, typically at grades 3–8. Written in the 1990s; pairs with curriculum units on conduct of life and family life; cited across 1 curriculum framework.

Where this book is assigned

• Nevada Young Readers' Award

  • recommended·3rd grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·4th grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·5th grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·6th grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·7th grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·8th grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.

Common questions

What grade level is Crash?

Crash is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 3–8. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.

How long does it take to read Crash?

It takes about 3 hours to read Crash (162 pages) at an average adult reading pace of about 250 words per minute — roughly 180 minutes. Faster or slower readers will vary; the estimate is a planning guide for assigning the book.

What curricula assign Crash?

Crash appears on reading lists for Nevada Young Readers' Award. Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is Crash banned in schools?

Crash does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.

What themes does Crash explore?

Central themes in Crash include conduct of life, family life, friendship, boys, fiction. These themes match how the book is discussed in most curriculum guides and AP Literature prompts.