By Lizzie
by Mary Eccles
Dial 2001
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- self-expression
- friendship
- family changes
- identity
- honesty
- resilience
About this book
Twelve-year-old Lizzie discovers that writing—notes, stories, and a column signed “By Lizzie”—helps her make sense of changes at home and challenges at school. As her words begin to travel beyond her notebook, she must decide how honest to be and how to handle the consequences. Told with humor and heart, this short novel captures the ups and downs of friendship, family, and finding your voice. A great pick for readers who enjoy realistic school stories and journal-style narration.
Setting: contemporary small town and middle school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is By Lizzie right for my child?
Yes — By Lizzie is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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 self-expression, friendship, family changes.
How long does it take to read By Lizzie?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, By Lizzie takes around 2.7h to finish. The book has 24,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does By Lizzie have an AR quiz?
Yes — By Lizzie has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 By Lizzie?
By Lizzie has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.