Camilla
A Novel
1951
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- coming of age
- first love
- family dynamics
- identity and self-discovery
- independence
- class and privilege
- loyalty
- resilience
About this book
Fifteen-year-old Camilla Dickinson has grown up in a privileged Manhattan world, but cracks in her parents’ glamorous marriage make her question everything she thought was secure. When she grows close to her best friend’s older brother, she begins to see the city—and herself—with new eyes. Through first love, shifting friendships, and hard family truths, Camilla learns what it means to think for herself. Readers drawn to thoughtful, character-driven stories will appreciate its honesty and timeless coming-of-age voice.
Setting: New York City, postwar 1950s (Manhattan apartments, city streets, and Central Park)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camilla right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Camilla. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include coming of age, first love, family dynamics.
How long does it take to read Camilla?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Camilla takes around 7.8h to finish. The book has 77,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Camilla have an AR quiz?
Yes — Camilla has an AR quiz available, worth 11 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 Camilla?
Camilla has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.