Go fish
by Mary Stolz
HarperCollins 1993
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- family
- growing up
- responsibility
- perseverance
- honesty
- communication
About this book
In this short, character-driven novel, two friends navigate a summer of small adventures, family expectations, and the ups and downs of growing up. Between card games and attempts at real fishing, they learn about patience, honesty, and what it means to be a good friend. Mary Stolz’s warm, quietly humorous writing and quick chapters make this a comfortable step up for developing readers. It’s a gentle realistic story perfect for ages 8–11.
Setting: contemporary small town and a nearby river/lake during summer
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Go fish right for my child?
Yes — Go fish is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4, 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, family, growing up.
How long does it take to read Go fish?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Go fish takes around 1.2h to finish. The book has 10,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Go fish have an AR quiz?
Yes — Go fish has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Go fish?
Go fish has an AR reading level of 4, 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.