My almost epic summer
Penguin USA, Inc. 2009
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.5 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- identity
- fitting in
- self-acceptance
- honesty
- first jobs
- independence
About this book
A funny, honest summer story about a 13-year-old who lands an unexpected job at a trendy salon and gets pulled into a world of cool coworkers, new crushes, and tricky choices. As she juggles friendship changes and the pressure to fit in, she learns what it really means to be herself. Perfect for middle school readers who like contemporary, character-driven stories with humor and heart. Kids enjoy the fast pace, realistic voice, and the behind-the-scenes look at a first summer job.
Setting: a contemporary urban neighborhood and trendy hair salon during one summer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My almost epic summer right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for My almost epic summer. The reading level is AR 4.5, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include friendship, identity, fitting in.
How long does it take to read My almost epic summer?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, My almost epic summer takes around 5.8h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My almost epic summer have an AR quiz?
Yes — My almost epic summer has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 My almost epic summer?
My almost epic summer has an AR reading level of 4.5, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.