Nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies)
by Justina Chen
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2012
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- biracial heritage
- mother–daughter relationships
- self-acceptance
- stereotypes and prejudice
- first love
- friendship
- family expectations
About this book
Patty Ho is half Taiwanese and half white—and she’s never quite sure where she fits. After a fortuneteller predicts a white boy in her future, Patty’s strict mom ships her off to a summer program that forces her to confront family expectations, stereotypes, and her own voice. Surrounded by new friends and first-crush butterflies, Patty begins to untangle who she is and what she wants. Teens will connect with the humor, heartfelt family moments, and a relatable search for identity.
Setting: contemporary suburban Seattle and a summer academic camp in California’s Bay Area
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies) right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies). The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 identity, biracial heritage, mother–daughter relationships.
How long does it take to read Nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies)?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies) takes around 6.0h to finish. The book has 59,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies) has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies)?
Nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies) has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.