Claudia and the New Girl
Scholastic Press 1988
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- loyalty
- identity
- peer pressure
- choices and consequences
- creativity and art
- belonging
- responsibility
About this book
Claudia meets Ashley, a bold new student and talented artist who instantly understands Claudia’s creative side. As the two spend more time together, Claudia begins to drift from the Baby-sitters Club and the responsibilities she’s always taken seriously. Torn between a thrilling new friendship and her longtime crew, she has to decide where she truly belongs. Fans love the art focus, relatable friendship drama, and Claudia’s big-hearted voice.
Setting: Stoneybrook, Connecticut, contemporary 1980s middle school
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Claudia and the New Girl right for my child?
Yes — Claudia and the New Girl 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 friendship, loyalty, identity.
How long does it take to read Claudia and the New Girl?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Claudia and the New Girl takes around 3.3h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Claudia and the New Girl have an AR quiz?
Yes — Claudia and the New Girl 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 Claudia and the New Girl?
Claudia and the New Girl 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.