Just Like Jackie
by Lindsey Stoddard
HarperCollins 2018
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- bullying
- identity
- resilience
- friendship
- anger and self-control
- intergenerational relationships
- community
About this book
Robinson Hart has always counted on her grandpa—her best friend, mechanic mentor, and the one who named her after Jackie Robinson. But Grandpa’s memory is slipping, and Robbie’s fierce temper keeps landing her in trouble at school, especially when kids tease her about her family. When a guidance group forces her to open up, Robbie must find new ways to protect the people she loves and let others in. This heartfelt story resonates with readers who like realistic, character-driven books about family, resilience, and finding your team.
Setting: a small-town Vermont community centered around a school, a car repair shop, and the local baseball field
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Just Like Jackie right for my child?
Yes — Just Like Jackie is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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, bullying, identity.
How long does it take to read Just Like Jackie?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Just Like Jackie takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 45,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Just Like Jackie have an AR quiz?
Yes — Just Like Jackie 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 Just Like Jackie?
Just Like Jackie has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.