My Darling, My Hamburger
by Paul Zindel
Bantam Books 1984
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- peer pressure
- dating and relationships
- choices and consequences
- identity
- coming of age
- trust
- responsibility
About this book
Two best friends, Maggie and Liz, navigate the thrills and pressures of dating, popularity, and big choices during high school. As relationships intensify, both girls face tough decisions that test their values, their friendships, and their sense of self. Zindel’s quick dialogue and honest situations make it feel real and immediate for teens. Readers are drawn to its authenticity, relatable characters, and the way it tackles mature topics with compassion.
Setting: suburban New York high school, late 1960s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Darling, My Hamburger right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for My Darling, My Hamburger. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include friendship, peer pressure, dating and relationships.
How long does it take to read My Darling, My Hamburger?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, My Darling, My Hamburger takes around 4.5h to finish. The book has 44,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My Darling, My Hamburger have an AR quiz?
Yes — My Darling, My Hamburger has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Darling, My Hamburger?
My Darling, My Hamburger has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.