Death by Eggplant
by Susan Heyboer O'Keefe
Roaring Brook Press 2010
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
- following your dreams
- perseverance
- self-confidence
- identity
- friendship
- family support
- humor
- school life
About this book
Eighth-grader Bertie Hooks dreams of becoming a master chef with his own TV show, but first he has to survive algebra, essays, and everyday middle school mishaps. When classroom pressures collide with kitchen disasters, Bertie has to find the courage to own his passion—even if some classmates think it’s nerdy. Packed with foodie fun, humor, and heart, this is a quick, funny read for kids who love cooking shows and realistic school stories. Perfect for aspiring chefs and anyone chasing a big dream.
Setting: contemporary American middle school and home kitchen
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Death by Eggplant right for my child?
Yes — Death by Eggplant 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 following your dreams, perseverance, self-confidence.
How long does it take to read Death by Eggplant?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Death by Eggplant takes around 2.9h to finish. The book has 26,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Death by Eggplant have an AR quiz?
Yes — Death by Eggplant 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 Death by Eggplant?
Death by Eggplant 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.