How Could You Do It, Diane?
Simon Pulse 1992
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- betrayal
- honesty
- peer pressure
- family relationships
- forgiveness
- self-esteem
- gossip and rumors
About this book
In this honest, contemporary novel, a middle-school girl watches her tight friendship with Diane fall apart after Diane makes a hurtful choice that sparks rumors and mistrust. Caught between loyalty and doing what’s right, she has to find her voice, face the fallout at school, and decide what kind of friend she wants to be. Stella Pevsner’s relatable characters and true-to-life dialogue make the emotional twists feel real. Readers who like realistic stories about friendships under pressure will be drawn in.
Setting: contemporary suburban middle school community (early 1990s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is How Could You Do It, Diane? right for my child?
Yes — How Could You Do It, Diane? 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 friendship, betrayal, honesty.
How long does it take to read How Could You Do It, Diane??
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, How Could You Do It, Diane? takes around 5.8h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does How Could You Do It, Diane? have an AR quiz?
Yes — How Could You Do It, Diane? has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 How Could You Do It, Diane??
How Could You Do It, Diane? 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.