Emmy and the home for troubled girls
by Lynne Jonell
Henry Holt and Co. 2008
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- loyalty
- standing up to bullies
- resilience
- identity
- justice
- found family
About this book
After her first adventure with a remarkable rat, Emmy’s troubles aren’t over—her scheming former nanny is back, and a prim ‘home for troubled girls’ hides a very strange secret. When girls begin to disappear, Emmy and her talking-rodent friends uncover a miniature world and a sinister plan that only courage and cleverness can undo. Fast-paced, funny, and just a little spooky, this sequel blends magic, mystery, and animal sidekicks. Perfect for middle-grade readers who like resourceful heroines, secret places, and high-stakes rescues.
Setting: present-day American town; a sinister Victorian-style dollhouse and a so-called home for girls
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emmy and the home for troubled girls right for my child?
Yes — Emmy and the home for troubled girls is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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, courage, loyalty.
How long does it take to read Emmy and the home for troubled girls?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Emmy and the home for troubled girls takes around 8.3h to finish. The book has 82,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Emmy and the home for troubled girls have an AR quiz?
Yes — Emmy and the home for troubled girls has an AR quiz available, worth 12 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 Emmy and the home for troubled girls?
Emmy and the home for troubled girls has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.