Behaving Bradley
by Perry Nodelman
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 2000
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity and self-acceptance
- friendship
- family expectations
- honesty and integrity
- fitting in
- responsibility
- humor in everyday life
About this book
Bradley is determined to turn over a new leaf and finally be the kind of kid teachers and parents expect—only every attempt to ‘behave’ seems to land him in even bigger, funnier trouble. As school projects, friendships, and family expectations pile up, he has to decide whether following all the rules is the same as doing the right thing. This smart, humorous story will resonate with middle-grade readers who’ve tried hard to fit in or start fresh. Kids enjoy the quick wit, relatable school mishaps, and Bradley’s ultimately heartfelt journey toward being himself.
Setting: a contemporary suburban neighborhood and middle school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Behaving Bradley right for my child?
Yes — Behaving Bradley is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 identity and self-acceptance, friendship, family expectations.
How long does it take to read Behaving Bradley?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Behaving Bradley takes around 5.8h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Behaving Bradley have an AR quiz?
Yes — Behaving Bradley has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Behaving Bradley?
Behaving Bradley has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.