Boys in control
Random House Children's Books 2008
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- rivalry
- friendship
- siblings and family
- pranks and humor
- teamwork
- community
- problem-solving
- empathy
About this book
The long-running prank war between the Hatford brothers and the Malloy sisters heats up when the boys hatch a plan to finally be "in control." Of course, the Malloys have clever counters of their own, turning simple jokes into an all-out battle of wits around town and at school. Packed with humor, mischief, and surprise twists, this fast-paced story shows how rivalry can lead to unexpected teamwork. Great for readers who enjoy lighthearted, true-to-life adventures in grades 3–6.
Setting: small-town West Virginia, contemporary
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boys in control right for my child?
Yes — Boys in control is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.5, 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 rivalry, friendship, siblings and family.
How long does it take to read Boys in control?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Boys in control takes around 3.8h to finish. The book has 34,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Boys in control have an AR quiz?
Yes — Boys in control 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 Boys in control?
Boys in control has an AR reading level of 4.5, 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.