Here lies the librarian
by Richard Peck
Dial Books 2008
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- breaking gender stereotypes
- independence
- sibling relationships
- small-town life
- innovation and technology
- identity and self-discovery
- courage
- mentorship
About this book
Set in early-1900s Indiana, this humorous historical novel follows tomboy mechanic Peewee McGrath, who would rather fix cars with her brother than act like a proper young lady. When a fierce storm uncovers an old librarian’s grave and a lively group of new librarians drives into town—some of them women behind the wheel—Peewee’s world shifts gears. She’s drawn into races, repairs, and big ideas about what girls can do. Fast-paced, witty, and full of car lore, it’s a great pick for middle graders who like history with humor and strong, surprising characters.
Setting: rural Indiana, early automobile era (circa 1914)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Here lies the librarian right for my child?
Yes — Here lies the librarian 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 breaking gender stereotypes, independence, sibling relationships.
How long does it take to read Here lies the librarian?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Here lies the librarian takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 31,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Here lies the librarian have an AR quiz?
Yes — Here lies the librarian 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 Here lies the librarian?
Here lies the librarian 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.