How to Train Your Parents
by Pete Johnson
Random House 2003
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family expectations
- school pressure and stress
- friendship
- identity and self-confidence
- communication
- humor and schemes
- independence
- balance between academics and life
About this book
When Louis moves to a new school, his easygoing parents suddenly become obsessed with grades, practice schedules, and achievement. With the help of his friend Maddy, Louis hatches a humorous plan to "train" his parents back to normal. Told with lots of wit and heart, the story explores how families handle pressure and expectations. Perfect for middle graders who enjoy laugh-out-loud school stories with a relatable home-life twist.
Setting: contemporary suburban England, home and school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is How to Train Your Parents right for my child?
Yes — How to Train Your Parents 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 family expectations, school pressure and stress, friendship.
How long does it take to read How to Train Your Parents?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, How to Train Your Parents takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 39,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does How to Train Your Parents have an AR quiz?
Yes — How to Train Your Parents has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 to Train Your Parents?
How to Train Your Parents 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.