Anyone but You
by Lara M. Zeises
Laurel Leaf 2005
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- blended families
- forbidden romance
- friendship
- loyalty
- identity
- coming of age
- family change
- choices and consequences
About this book
Two teens who’ve grown up almost like family find their world turned upside down when their single parents start dating. As loyalties shift and boundaries blur, unexpected feelings force them to question what family and love really mean. Told in authentic, alternating voices, it captures the rush and confusion of first love alongside the realities of changing families. A strong pick for high school readers who like realistic romance with emotional depth.
Setting: a contemporary coastal East Coast town
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anyone but You right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Anyone but You. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include blended families, forbidden romance, friendship.
How long does it take to read Anyone but You?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Anyone but You takes around 8.3h to finish. The book has 75,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Anyone but You have an AR quiz?
Yes — Anyone but You 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 Anyone but You?
Anyone but You has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.