My Mother Got Married (and other disasters)
by Barbara Park
Knopf 1989
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- divorce and remarriage
- blended families
- change and adaptation
- identity and self-expression
- parent-child relationships
- friendship
- resilience
- humor in everyday life
About this book
When Phoebe’s mom announces she’s getting remarried, Phoebe’s world flips upside down. With sharp humor and a big heart, Barbara Park follows a smart, outspoken girl as she navigates blended-family life, changing routines, and complicated feelings. Kids will relate to Phoebe’s honest voice and laugh at her mishaps while recognizing the real emotions behind them. A great pick for readers who like realistic stories about family, growing up, and finding your footing.
Setting: contemporary suburban United States, late 1980s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Mother Got Married (and other disasters) right for my child?
Yes — My Mother Got Married (and other disasters) is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.1, 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 divorce and remarriage, blended families, change and adaptation.
How long does it take to read My Mother Got Married (and other disasters)?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, My Mother Got Married (and other disasters) takes around 3.2h to finish. The book has 29,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My Mother Got Married (and other disasters) have an AR quiz?
Yes — My Mother Got Married (and other disasters) 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 My Mother Got Married (and other disasters)?
My Mother Got Married (and other disasters) has an AR reading level of 4.1, 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.