Fast Eddie
by Janet Wyman Coleman
Maxwell Macmillan International 1993
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- sportsmanship
- friendship
- family responsibility
- choices and consequences
- self-confidence
- honesty
- fitting in
About this book
Sixth-grader Eddie has always been quick—on the playground, on the field, and when life throws changes his way. When his speed earns him a spot on the track team, he finally sees a chance to stand out for something positive. As competitions heat up, Eddie must balance family responsibilities, new friendships, and the pressure to win without taking shortcuts. Fast-paced and heartfelt, this story resonates with kids who like sports, realistic challenges, and finding their place.
Setting: a contemporary American middle school and neighborhood, 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fast Eddie right for my child?
Yes — Fast Eddie is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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 perseverance, sportsmanship, friendship.
How long does it take to read Fast Eddie?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Fast Eddie takes around 2.9h to finish. The book has 26,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Fast Eddie have an AR quiz?
Yes — Fast Eddie 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 Fast Eddie?
Fast Eddie has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.