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Dear nobody book cover

Dear nobody

by Berlie Doherty

Penguin Books, Limited 2017

★★★★★

Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade

Reading level 4.7 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+

4th grade English
185
Pages
7
AR Points
5.5h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Carnegie Medal

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • teen pregnancy
  • first love and responsibility
  • family conflict
  • choices and consequences
  • identity and independence
  • communication and secrets
  • coming of age
  • hope and resilience

About this book

When Helen discovers she is pregnant, she begins writing heartfelt letters to her unborn baby—her “nobody.” Told in alternating voices between Helen and her boyfriend Chris, the story explores how one decision reshapes their futures, families, and dreams. With an honest, compassionate look at teenage pregnancy, the book invites readers to consider responsibility, love, and the power of choice. Best for older teens who appreciate realistic, emotionally rich stories.

Setting: contemporary Sheffield, England

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dear nobody right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Dear nobody. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include teen pregnancy, first love and responsibility, family conflict.

How long does it take to read Dear nobody?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Dear nobody takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Dear nobody have an AR quiz?

Yes — Dear nobody has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Dear nobody?

Dear nobody has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.