Games
by Carol Gorman
HarperCollins 2007
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- bullying
- rivalry
- peer pressure
- empathy
- identity
- consequences
- friendship
- forgiveness
About this book
Two very different classmates spark a rivalry that turns into a high-stakes series of dares and mind games. As the pranks escalate, both kids are pushed to confront who they are, what they stand for, and how far is too far. Told with tension and humor, this realistic school story explores the line between competition and cruelty. Great for middle school readers who like fast-paced, true-to-life drama with changing perspectives.
Setting: contemporary American middle school and town
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Games right for my child?
Yes — Games is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, 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 bullying, rivalry, peer pressure.
How long does it take to read Games?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Games takes around 6.7h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Games have an AR quiz?
Yes — Games has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Games?
Games has an AR reading level of 4.7, 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.