A Girl from Yamhill
A Memoir
Harper Collins 2009
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- coming of age
- family relationships
- resilience
- identity and self-discovery
- economic hardship
- education and reading
- small-town life
- perseverance
About this book
In this warm, honest memoir, Beverly Cleary looks back on her childhood in Oregon, from a small farm in Yamhill to life in Portland during the Great Depression. She shares the everyday adventures, family struggles, and school days that shaped a shy, book-loving girl into a future writer. Clear, engaging chapters make history feel close to home while offering relatable moments about growing up. Perfect for middle school readers who enjoy real-life stories and author backstories.
Setting: Yamhill and Portland, Oregon, 1920s–1930s (Great Depression era)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Girl from Yamhill right for my child?
Yes — A Girl from Yamhill is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.5, which is typical for 6th 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 coming of age, family relationships, resilience.
How long does it take to read A Girl from Yamhill?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, A Girl from Yamhill takes around 6.7h to finish. The book has 70,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Girl from Yamhill have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Girl from Yamhill has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 A Girl from Yamhill?
A Girl from Yamhill has an AR reading level of 6.5, which places it at a 6th 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.