Heaven looks a lot like the mall
by Wendy Mass
Little, Brown and Co. 2008
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.2 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- choices and consequences
- consumerism and materialism
- family dynamics
- peer pressure
- self-reflection
- forgiveness
- coming of age
About this book
After a gym-class accident, high schooler Tessa finds herself in a mall-like afterlife where every store item sparks a memory from her life. Told in sharp, funny free-verse, she revisits choices about friends, family, and who she really wants to be. Readers who enjoy reflective, contemporary stories with a touch of the surreal will be drawn in. It’s a quick, thought-provoking read for teens who like humor mixed with heart.
Setting: a contemporary suburban high school and a surreal, mall-like afterlife
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heaven looks a lot like the mall right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Heaven looks a lot like the mall. The reading level is AR 4.2, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include identity, choices and consequences, consumerism and materialism.
How long does it take to read Heaven looks a lot like the mall?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Heaven looks a lot like the mall takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 27,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Heaven looks a lot like the mall have an AR quiz?
Yes — Heaven looks a lot like the mall 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 Heaven looks a lot like the mall?
Heaven looks a lot like the mall has an AR reading level of 4.2, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.