Blister
by Susan Shreve
Scholastic 2001
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- family changes
- divorce and separation
- friendship
- resilience
- self-expression
- growing up
About this book
Blister follows a strong-willed middle schooler coping with big changes when her once-bohemian mom’s life takes a dramatic turn and family dynamics shift. Shaken by divorce and sudden attention on her mother, Blister is sent to live with her dad and has to navigate a new school, new friends, and who she wants to be. With humor and heart, she learns to speak up, set boundaries, and find her own voice. A relatable, realistic read for grades 4–7, it resonates with kids dealing with family change and friendship drama.
Setting: contemporary suburban community, United States
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blister right for my child?
Yes — Blister 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 identity, family changes, divorce and separation.
How long does it take to read Blister?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Blister takes around 3.9h to finish. The book has 35,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Blister have an AR quiz?
Yes — Blister 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 Blister?
Blister 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.