Now we're talking
by Dean Hughes
Atheneum Books for Young Readers 1999
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- finding your voice
- friendship
- self-confidence
- school life
- responsibility
- honesty
- taking risks
- communication
About this book
A funny, fast-paced school story about a shy middle-schooler who gets roped into a speaking gig and discovers he might actually have something to say. Partnered with a classmate who’s not afraid of the mic, he stumbles through on-air flubs, tricky topics, and the ups and downs of newfound attention. Along the way he learns how to listen, stand up for himself, and be honest with friends. Great for readers who like realistic, humorous tales about school life and finding confidence.
Setting: a contemporary suburban middle school, late 1990s
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Now we're talking right for my child?
Yes — Now we're talking is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.4, 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 finding your voice, friendship, self-confidence.
How long does it take to read Now we're talking?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Now we're talking takes around 2.5h to finish. The book has 22,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Now we're talking have an AR quiz?
Yes — Now we're talking 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 Now we're talking?
Now we're talking has an AR reading level of 4.4, 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.