Lila Goes for Gold (American Girl's Girl of the Year 2024)
by Falligant Erin
Simon and Schuster 2024
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- teamwork
- perseverance
- balancing goals and relationships
- sportsmanship
- stress and anxiety
- communication
- self-discovery
About this book
Twelve-year-old Lila is reaching for the Gold level on her gymnastics team, but the pressure of tryouts and competitions starts to weigh on her best friend and teammate, Katie. A day of horseback riding seems like the perfect break—until Lila realizes their friendship may need as much attention as her routines. This contemporary story explores ambition, balance, and what it takes to be a good friend. Ideal for middle-grade readers who enjoy sports, strong female leads, and heartwarming friendship stories.
Setting: contemporary United States; gymnastics gym, school, and local horse stable
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lila Goes for Gold (American Girl's Girl of the Year 2024) right for my child?
Yes — Lila Goes for Gold (American Girl's Girl of the Year 2024) 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 friendship, teamwork, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Lila Goes for Gold (American Girl's Girl of the Year 2024)?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Lila Goes for Gold (American Girl's Girl of the Year 2024) takes around 2.5h to finish. The book has 23,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Lila Goes for Gold (American Girl's Girl of the Year 2024) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Lila Goes for Gold (American Girl's Girl of the Year 2024) has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Lila Goes for Gold (American Girl's Girl of the Year 2024)?
Lila Goes for Gold (American Girl's Girl of the Year 2024) 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.