Big Mouth and Ugly Girl
HarperTeen 2003
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- rumors and gossip
- courage and integrity
- identity and self-acceptance
- justice and truth
- peer pressure
- standing up for others
- reputation
About this book
When an offhand joke is twisted into a terrifying rumor, outspoken Matt Donaghy is suddenly accused of planning violence at his high school. Ursula Riggs, a tough, solitary athlete who calls herself “Ugly Girl,” is the one person who believes he’s innocent—and chooses to stand up when it counts. Their unlikely friendship helps them navigate gossip, pressure, and what it means to tell the truth in a crowd. A compelling, realistic story for teens who like character-driven school dramas with moral stakes.
Setting: a contemporary suburban high school near New York City
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Mouth and Ugly Girl right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Big Mouth and Ugly Girl. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th 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 friendship, rumors and gossip, courage and integrity.
How long does it take to read Big Mouth and Ugly Girl?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Big Mouth and Ugly Girl takes around 7.3h to finish. The book has 72,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Big Mouth and Ugly Girl have an AR quiz?
Yes — Big Mouth and Ugly Girl 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 Big Mouth and Ugly Girl?
Big Mouth and Ugly Girl has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th 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.