Don't Hurt Laurie
Simon and Schuster 1988
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include child abuse and healing
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Genre
Themes
- child abuse and healing
- courage
- friendship
- trust
- resilience
- found family and support
- speaking up/advocacy
About this book
Laurie’s mother seems perfect to everyone else, but at home Laurie endures frightening abuse and constant fear. When a new friend and a caring neighbor begin to notice that something isn’t right, Laurie must find the courage to speak up and believe she deserves safety and love. This powerful realistic novel handles a tough topic with sensitivity and hope, offering an age-appropriate look at how help can arrive and healing can begin. It’s a moving, suspenseful read that opens the door to important conversations.
Setting: suburban United States, contemporary to late 20th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Don't Hurt Laurie right for my child?
Yes — Don't Hurt Laurie is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 child abuse and healing, courage, friendship.
How long does it take to read Don't Hurt Laurie?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Don't Hurt Laurie takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Don't Hurt Laurie have an AR quiz?
Yes — Don't Hurt Laurie 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 Don't Hurt Laurie?
Don't Hurt Laurie has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.