Lily B. on the Brink of Cool
Puffin 2003
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- popularity
- identity
- honesty
- family
- self-confidence
- peer pressure
- creativity and writing
About this book
Thirteen-year-old Lily Blennerhassett dreams of being sophisticated and famous, preferably as a writer with an effortlessly cool life. When a chance to hang out with the in-crowd appears, Lily sees an opportunity to reinvent herself. But navigating popularity, family quirks, and her own voice proves trickier than she imagined. With a witty, confessional tone, this humorous story appeals to middle-grade readers who enjoy realistic school drama and smart, funny heroines.
Setting: contemporary suburban America; middle school and neighborhood scenes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lily B. on the Brink of Cool right for my child?
Yes — Lily B. on the Brink of Cool is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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, popularity, identity.
How long does it take to read Lily B. on the Brink of Cool?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Lily B. on the Brink of Cool takes around 5.9h to finish. The book has 58,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Lily B. on the Brink of Cool have an AR quiz?
Yes — Lily B. on the Brink of Cool has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Lily B. on the Brink of Cool?
Lily B. on the Brink of Cool has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.