My dad's definitely not a drunk!
by Elisa Lynn Carbone
Distributed by the Talman Co. 1992
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include family alcoholism
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Genre
Themes
- family alcoholism
- denial and honesty
- loyalty and trust
- stigma and secrecy
- resilience
- friendship
- asking for help
- self-advocacy
About this book
A realistic middle-grade novel about a kid trying to keep life normal while a parent’s drinking starts to shake the family. The narrator wrestles with embarrassment, loyalty, and the pressure to keep secrets at school and with friends. As the situation grows harder to ignore, they learn what it means to ask for help and tell the truth. Honest and empathetic, it’s a good fit for readers who like true-to-life stories and characters who find strength in tough times.
Setting: contemporary suburban United States, early 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is My dad's definitely not a drunk! right for my child?
Yes — My dad's definitely not a drunk! 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 family alcoholism, denial and honesty, loyalty and trust.
How long does it take to read My dad's definitely not a drunk!?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, My dad's definitely not a drunk! takes around 2.2h to finish. The book has 20,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My dad's definitely not a drunk! have an AR quiz?
Yes — My dad's definitely not a drunk! 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 My dad's definitely not a drunk!?
My dad's definitely not a drunk! 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.