Kristy and the Secret of Susan
Scholastic Inc. 2013
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- inclusion
- empathy
- neurodiversity
- advocacy
- leadership
- responsibility
- community
About this book
Kristy takes on a new babysitting job with Susan, a musically gifted girl who is autistic and attends a special school. Determined to help others see Susan’s strengths, Kristy plans ways to include her in everyday activities. The story invites readers to think about empathy, inclusion, and what it means to be a good friend. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy the Baby‑Sitters Club’s mix of heart, humor, and real-life challenges.
Setting: Stoneybrook, Connecticut; contemporary suburban community
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kristy and the Secret of Susan right for my child?
Yes — Kristy and the Secret of Susan is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.5, 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, inclusion, empathy.
How long does it take to read Kristy and the Secret of Susan?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Kristy and the Secret of Susan takes around 3.3h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Kristy and the Secret of Susan have an AR quiz?
Yes — Kristy and the Secret of Susan 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 Kristy and the Secret of Susan?
Kristy and the Secret of Susan has an AR reading level of 4.5, 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.