It Came From Ohio!: My Life As a Writer
by R. L. Stine
Scholastic Inc. 2015
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- creativity
- perseverance
- humor
- writing and the creative process
- childhood memories
- following your dreams
- inspiration
- family
About this book
R.L. Stine, the creator of Goosebumps, shares the funny, surprising story of how a shy kid from Ohio became one of the best-known spooky writers for kids. Through photos, short chapters, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, he talks about his childhood, early writing experiments, and how he finds ideas. The tone is playful and encouraging, making it an easy, fast read for fans and budding writers. Perfect for middle graders who love Goosebumps or want a peek at how an author turns everyday life into stories.
Setting: Columbus, Ohio and New York City; mid-to-late 20th century into the author’s early career
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Came From Ohio!: My Life As a Writer right for my child?
Yes — It Came From Ohio!: My Life As a Writer 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 creativity, perseverance, humor.
How long does it take to read It Came From Ohio!: My Life As a Writer?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, It Came From Ohio!: My Life As a Writer takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 27,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does It Came From Ohio!: My Life As a Writer have an AR quiz?
Yes — It Came From Ohio!: My Life As a Writer 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 It Came From Ohio!: My Life As a Writer?
It Came From Ohio!: My Life As a Writer 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.