Stuck in Neutral

About this book

Shawn McDaniel's life is not what it may seem to anyone looking at him. He is glued to his wheelchair, unable to voluntarily move a muscle--he can't even move his eyes. For all Shawn's father knows, his son may be suffering. Shawn may want a release. And a

Similar grade-level books

• 
  To Kill a Mockingbird
  Harper Lee · 870L
  Get it on Amazon→
• 
  The Great Gatsby
  F. Scott Fitzgerald · 1070L
  Get it on Amazon→
• 
  Of Mice and Men
  John Steinbeck · 630L
  Get it on Amazon→
• 
  Lord of the Flies
  William Golding · 770L
  Get it on Amazon→

See all books like Stuck in Neutral→ — matched on theme + reading level.

Why widely assigned

This Realistic Fiction title, typically at grades 7–10. Written in the 2010s; pairs with curriculum units on disability and perspective; cited across 1 curriculum framework.

Where this book is assigned

• Kentucky Bluegrass Award (KBA)

  • recommended·7th grade · Kentuckysource: Kentucky Association of School Librarians — Kentucky Bluegrass Award Winner's Circle (grades 3-5 + 6-8; annual since 1983)
  • recommended·8th grade · Kentuckysource: Kentucky Association of School Librarians — Kentucky Bluegrass Award Winner's Circle (grades 3-5 + 6-8; annual since 1983)
  • recommended·9th grade · Kentuckysource: Kentucky Bluegrass Award (KBA) — Kentucky's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-56-83-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·10th grade · Kentuckysource: Kentucky Bluegrass Award (KBA) — Kentucky's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-56-83-): 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 Stuck in Neutral?

Stuck in Neutral is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 7–10. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.

What curricula assign Stuck in Neutral?

Stuck in Neutral appears on reading lists for Kentucky Bluegrass Award (KBA). Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is Stuck in Neutral banned in schools?

Stuck in Neutral 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 Stuck in Neutral explore?

Central themes in Stuck in Neutral include disability, perspective, family. These themes match how the book is discussed in most curriculum guides and AP Literature prompts.