Daphne's Book
Clarion Books 1985
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- empathy
- bullying
- poverty
- family secrets
- creativity and writing
- self-acceptance
- courage
About this book
When Jessica is assigned to partner with quiet, odd Daphne for a class writing contest, she’s sure the year is ruined. But as the girls begin crafting a story together, Jessica discovers there’s much more to Daphne—and to friendship—than she expected. Set in a small town with real-world challenges, the book explores empathy, creativity, and finding courage to stand up for someone who needs a friend. A thoughtful, character-driven read for middle graders who like realistic stories with heart.
Setting: a small-town community in the United States, contemporary 1980s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daphne's Book right for my child?
Yes — Daphne's Book is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, 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, empathy, bullying.
How long does it take to read Daphne's Book?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Daphne's Book takes around 5.2h to finish. The book has 47,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Daphne's Book have an AR quiz?
Yes — Daphne's Book has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Daphne's Book?
Daphne's Book has an AR reading level of 4.7, 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.