Heads or Tails
Stories from the Sixth Grade
by Jack Gantos
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) 1994
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- growing up
- family and siblings
- school life
- responsibility
- self-acceptance
- friendship
- embarrassment and resilience
- humor in everyday life
About this book
In this hilarious collection of linked short stories, sixth grader Jack Henry faces new schools, oddball teachers, pesky siblings, and awkward first crushes—often with laugh-out-loud results. Drawn from Jack Gantos’s own childhood, the episodes feel true-to-life and wonderfully offbeat. Short, fast-paced chapters make it an easy pick for readers moving into longer books. Kids enjoy the humor, the relatable school mishaps, and Jack’s resilient, big-hearted voice.
Setting: a small American town and middle school, late 20th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heads or Tails right for my child?
Yes — Heads or Tails 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 growing up, family and siblings, school life.
How long does it take to read Heads or Tails?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Heads or Tails takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 31,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Heads or Tails have an AR quiz?
Yes — Heads or Tails 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 Heads or Tails?
Heads or Tails 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.