Left Out
Simon and Schuster 2015
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.8 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- sibling relationships
- friendship and exclusion
- empathy and compassion
- rumors and gossip
- anger and forgiveness
- family change
- belonging
- personal growth
About this book
Molly is furious and embarrassed that her big sister now has a baby, and the fallout at school leaves her feeling shut out by friends. As rumors swirl and friendships wobble, a Little Angel of Compassion tries to nudge Molly toward empathy and healing. This short, accessible story invites readers to think about feelings, family changes, and how kindness can mend rifts. Kids enjoy the relatable school drama, quick pace, and hopeful message.
Setting: contemporary school and neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Left Out right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Left Out. The reading level is AR 3.8, which is typical for 3rd 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 sibling relationships, friendship and exclusion, empathy and compassion.
How long does it take to read Left Out?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Left Out takes around 52m to finish. The book has 7,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Left Out have an AR quiz?
Yes — Left Out 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 Left Out?
Left Out has an AR reading level of 3.8, which places it at a 3rd 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.