Here Today
Scholastic 2004
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- resilience
- bullying
- friendship
- coming of age
- identity
- independence
- belonging
About this book
Set on Long Island in the early 1960s, Here Today follows Ellie Dingman as her once-glamorous, attention-seeking mother chases fame and leaves Ellie to navigate school, shifting friendships, and neighborhood bullies. Against the backdrop of a changing America, Ellie learns to stand up for herself and care for her family. Heartfelt and quietly funny, this coming-of-age story resonates with readers who enjoy realistic characters and emotional depth. Perfect for middle-grade readers who like historical settings and strong, relatable heroines.
Setting: suburban Long Island, New York, early 1960s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Here Today right for my child?
Yes — Here Today is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, 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 family, resilience, bullying.
How long does it take to read Here Today?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Here Today takes around 7.8h to finish. The book has 70,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Here Today have an AR quiz?
Yes — Here Today has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Today?
Here Today has an AR reading level of 4.8, 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.