Dawn and the older boy
Scholastic Inc. 1990
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- peer pressure
- self-esteem
- first crush
- boundaries
- independence
- assertiveness
About this book
Dawn meets an older boy from California who seems perfect—and she’s flattered by the attention. But as he pushes her to change how she looks and acts, Dawn starts to question what she really wants. With help from the Baby-sitters Club, she learns to trust her instincts and stand up for herself. A relatable story for middle graders about first crushes, friendship, and staying true to who you are.
Setting: Stoneybrook, Connecticut; middle school; late 1980s–early 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dawn and the older boy right for my child?
Yes — Dawn and the older boy is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.4, 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, peer pressure, self-esteem.
How long does it take to read Dawn and the older boy?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Dawn and the older boy takes around 3.2h to finish. The book has 29,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dawn and the older boy have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dawn and the older boy 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 Dawn and the older boy?
Dawn and the older boy has an AR reading level of 4.4, 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.