Friendship For Today
Scholastic Press 2008
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include racism and prejudice
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- racism and prejudice
- courage
- resilience
- identity
- standing up for others
- family
- change
About this book
Set in the mid-1950s after Brown v. Board of Education, this novel follows a brave Black sixth grader who helps integrate her formerly all-white school in St. Louis. Between shifting friendships, a local polio scare, and everyday challenges, she learns what it really means to stand up for herself and others. Patricia McKissack’s warm, funny voice makes the history feel real and immediate. Kids enjoy the relatable school drama, strong heroine, and hopeful message about change and courage.
Setting: St. Louis, Missouri, mid-1950s during school desegregation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Friendship For Today right for my child?
Yes — Friendship For Today is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.5, 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 friendship, racism and prejudice, courage.
How long does it take to read Friendship For Today?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Friendship For Today takes around 4.7h to finish. The book has 42,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Friendship For Today have an AR quiz?
Yes — Friendship For Today has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Friendship For Today?
Friendship For Today has an AR reading level of 4.5, 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.