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Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading book cover

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading

by Tommy Greenwald

Roaring Brook Press 2011

★★★★★

Great fit for 4th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

4th grade English Juvenile Fiction
225
Pages
4
AR Points
4.5h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • reluctant reading
  • friendship
  • honesty and consequences
  • school life
  • identity
  • humor
  • perseverance

About this book

Charlie Joe Jackson prides himself on never reading a book, and he’ll do almost anything to keep that streak alive. When middle school makes dodging assignments harder—and his usual helper refuses to bail him out—Charlie Joe’s schemes get bigger and funnier. Told with cartoons, lists, and plenty of laughs, this is a perfect pick for reluctant readers. Kids enjoy the quick, conversational style and the way it pokes fun at school while celebrating finding your own way.

Setting: contemporary American middle school and suburb

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading right for my child?

Yes — Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, 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 reluctant reading, friendship, honesty and consequences.

How long does it take to read Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading takes around 4.5h to finish. The book has 40,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading have an AR quiz?

Yes — Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading 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 Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading?

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading has an AR reading level of 4.8, 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.