But I Don't Want to be a Movie Star
by Margaret Pinder
Dutton Juvenile 2006
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- family relationships
- fame and privacy
- deception and consequences
- self-discovery
- ambition vs. integrity
- confidence
- coming of age
About this book
Fifteen-year-old Kat heads to sunny California to spend the summer with her glamorous, movie-star grandmother. When a big role is on the line, Kat is talked into a wild plan: impersonating her famous gran to help revive a fading career. Between red carpets, disguises, and behind-the-scenes chaos, Kat must decide who she really wants to be. This funny, fast-paced story will appeal to readers who love Hollywood drama, family bonds, and finding your voice.
Setting: contemporary Los Angeles and Hollywood
Frequently Asked Questions
Is But I Don't Want to be a Movie Star right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for But I Don't Want to be a Movie Star. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include identity, family relationships, fame and privacy.
How long does it take to read But I Don't Want to be a Movie Star?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, But I Don't Want to be a Movie Star takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does But I Don't Want to be a Movie Star have an AR quiz?
Yes — But I Don't Want to be a Movie Star has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 But I Don't Want to be a Movie Star?
But I Don't Want to be a Movie Star has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.