Choosing sides
by Ilene Cooper
Morrow Junior Books 1990
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- divorce and custody
- family dynamics
- loyalty
- friendship
- identity
- communication
- resilience
- choices and consequences
About this book
When a middle-school girl finds herself caught between her divorcing parents, she must figure out where she belongs and what loyalty really means. At school and with friends, lines are drawn and everyone seems to be choosing sides, forcing her to speak up for what she wants. Ilene Cooper’s realistic, heartfelt story captures the confusion, anger, and hope that come with big family changes. Perfect for readers who like true-to-life stories about friendships, family, and finding your voice.
Setting: suburban Midwest, contemporary (early 1990s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Choosing sides right for my child?
Yes — Choosing sides 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 divorce and custody, family dynamics, loyalty.
How long does it take to read Choosing sides?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Choosing sides takes around 6.5h to finish. The book has 58,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Choosing sides have an AR quiz?
Yes — Choosing sides 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 Choosing sides?
Choosing sides 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.