Judy Scuppernong
by Brenda Seabrooke
Bantam Books 1992
Great fit for 5th 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
- friendship
- coming of age
- memory and nostalgia
- family dynamics
- identity
- secrets
- small-town life
- change
About this book
Told in lyrical, free-verse vignettes, Judy Scuppernong captures one unforgettable Southern summer when a mysterious new girl changes the rhythm of three friends’ small-town lives. Through sharp, sensory snapshots, the narrator reflects on friendship, family strains, and the pull of growing up. Its short, poetic chapters make it approachable for developing readers while offering rich language for discussion. Kids enjoy the nostalgic summer setting, the secrets slowly revealed, and the way ordinary moments feel meaningful.
Setting: a small Southern town, 1950s
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Judy Scuppernong right for my child?
Yes — Judy Scuppernong is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th 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, coming of age, memory and nostalgia.
How long does it take to read Judy Scuppernong?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Judy Scuppernong takes around 27m to finish. The book has 4,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Judy Scuppernong have an AR quiz?
Yes — Judy Scuppernong has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Judy Scuppernong?
Judy Scuppernong has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th 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.