Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill (Betsy-Tacy #3)
by Maud Hart Lovelace, Lois Lenski, Judy Blume
HarperCollins 1979
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- growing up
- cultural understanding
- community
- empathy
- family
- identity
- adventure
About this book
Best friends Betsy and Tacy are turning ten, and the world beyond their Minnesota neighborhood suddenly feels very big and exciting. Determined to prove they’re grown-up, the girls venture over the Big Hill and discover a nearby immigrant community, new friends, and new customs. Their adventures bring small mishaps, big feelings, and chances to show kindness and courage. Gentle humor, warm friendships, and everyday adventures make this a comforting read for elementary and middle-grade readers.
Setting: Deep Valley (Mankato), Minnesota, early 1900s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill (Betsy-Tacy #3) right for my child?
Yes — Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill (Betsy-Tacy #3) 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 friendship, growing up, cultural understanding.
How long does it take to read Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill (Betsy-Tacy #3)?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill (Betsy-Tacy #3) takes around 3.7h to finish. The book has 33,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill (Betsy-Tacy #3) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill (Betsy-Tacy #3) 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 Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill (Betsy-Tacy #3)?
Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill (Betsy-Tacy #3) 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.