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Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade book cover

Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade

by Barthe DeClements

Listening Library 1985

★★★★☆

Great fit for 4th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

4th grade English
137
Pages
4
AR Points
3.2h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • friendship
  • bullying
  • empathy
  • honesty
  • body image
  • peer pressure
  • fairness
  • school life

About this book

Fifth-grader Jenny thinks school is hard enough until a new classmate, Elsie, arrives and shakes up the dynamics of the room. Rumors, lunchroom drama, and classroom conflicts test friendships and fairness. As Jenny and her classmates get to know Elsie, they begin to see the story behind her behavior and learn about empathy and doing the right thing. This relatable school story appeals to readers who enjoy realistic situations, friendship ups and downs, and a satisfying, hopeful tone.

Setting: a suburban elementary school, 1980s

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade right for my child?

Yes — Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade 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 friendship, bullying, empathy.

How long does it take to read Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade takes around 3.2h to finish. The book has 29,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade have an AR quiz?

Yes — Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade 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 Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade?

Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade 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.