Mary Anne and the Great Romance
Hippo Bks 1990
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- blended families
- change and adaptation
- responsibility
- first love and crushes
- communication
- growing up
About this book
Mary Anne is excited—and a little nervous—when a grown-ups’ romance in her life starts to get serious, bringing big changes to her world. Between babysitting jobs, school, and her steady friendship with the BSC, she has to navigate shifting family dynamics and her own shy feelings. Fans will enjoy the warm humor, everyday drama, and relatable moments that make the Baby‑Sitters Club so beloved. A gentle, upbeat read perfect for grades 4–6.
Setting: suburban Stoneybrook, Connecticut, late 1980s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mary Anne and the Great Romance right for my child?
Yes — Mary Anne and the Great Romance is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.2, 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, blended families, change and adaptation.
How long does it take to read Mary Anne and the Great Romance?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Mary Anne and the Great Romance takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 28,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mary Anne and the Great Romance have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mary Anne and the Great Romance 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 Mary Anne and the Great Romance?
Mary Anne and the Great Romance has an AR reading level of 4.2, 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.