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Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree book cover

Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree

by Lauren Tarshis

Dial 2008

Great fit for 5th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

5th grade English
208
Pages
6
AR Points
4.3h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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ALA Notable Children's BookBank Street Best Children's Book of the YearJunior Library Guild Selection

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • friendship
  • fitting in
  • empathy
  • grief and healing
  • identity
  • problem-solving
  • kindness
  • middle school dynamics

About this book

Seventh-grader Emma-Jean views middle school like a science experiment—calm, logical, and from a safe distance. When a kind classmate needs help with a messy social problem, Emma-Jean decides to intervene, and her carefully planned solutions lead to unexpected complications. With humor and heart, the story follows a brilliant, literal thinker learning how feelings can be just as important as facts. Perfect for readers who enjoy quirky narrators, friendship drama, and school stories with warmth.

Setting: a contemporary suburban middle school

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree right for my child?

Yes — Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, which is typical for 5th 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, fitting in, empathy.

How long does it take to read Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 43,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree have an AR quiz?

Yes — Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree 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 Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree?

Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree has an AR reading level of 5.1, which places it at a 5th 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.