Buddies
by Barbara Park
Knopf Books for Young Readers 1985
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- popularity
- peer pressure
- empathy
- identity
- bullying and exclusion
- self-acceptance
- belonging
About this book
Thirteen-year-old Edie heads to sleepaway camp determined to become popular, but her plans are complicated by an awkward cabin mate who wants to be her friend. Between cliques, camp competitions, and tough choices, Edie must decide what kind of friend—and person—she wants to be. Barbara Park blends sharp humor with real heart, making this a relatable read for tweens navigating friendships and fitting in. Great for readers who enjoy realistic stories about camp life and finding the courage to be yourself.
Setting: a summer sleepaway camp in the contemporary United States (1980s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buddies right for my child?
Yes — Buddies is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.2, 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, popularity, peer pressure.
How long does it take to read Buddies?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Buddies takes around 4.2h to finish. The book has 38,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Buddies have an AR quiz?
Yes — Buddies has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Buddies?
Buddies has an AR reading level of 4.2, 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.