Always and forever friends
by C. S. Adler
Clarion Books 1988
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- loyalty
- growing up
- peer pressure
- popularity and belonging
- family change
- self-identity
- communication
About this book
Two best friends promise to be "always and forever," but middle school pressures start to pull them in different directions. When one girl’s world begins to change—new friends, new interests, and family shifts—the other worries their bond won’t survive. Told with warmth and honesty, this realistic story explores how friendships can bend without breaking. Perfect for readers who enjoy school stories about loyalty, growing up, and finding your voice.
Setting: suburban upstate New York, contemporary 1980s middle school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Always and forever friends right for my child?
Yes — Always and forever friends is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, loyalty, growing up.
How long does it take to read Always and forever friends?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Always and forever friends takes around 3.7h to finish. The book has 33,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Always and forever friends have an AR quiz?
Yes — Always and forever friends has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Always and forever friends?
Always and forever friends has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.