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One Fat Summer book cover

One Fat Summer

by Robert Lipsyte

Perfection Learning Prebound 1992

Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up

Reading level 4.6 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+

4th grade English
151
Pages
5
AR Points
4.0h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • self-acceptance
  • bullying
  • courage
  • coming of age
  • body image
  • family relationships
  • friendship
  • responsibility

About this book

Overweight and unsure of himself, Bobby Marks dreads another summer at the lake—until a tough lawn-mowing job and a run-in with a local bully push him to find his courage. Set in the 1950s, this coming-of-age story follows Bobby as he faces fear, learns responsibility, and discovers what confidence really looks like. With sharp humor and real heart, the book speaks to anyone who’s ever felt out of place. Readers enjoy the relatable voice, the satisfying growth, and the timeless themes of standing up for yourself.

Setting: a lakeside resort town in New York, 1950s

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is One Fat Summer right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for One Fat Summer. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include self-acceptance, bullying, courage.

How long does it take to read One Fat Summer?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, One Fat Summer takes around 4.0h to finish. The book has 36,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does One Fat Summer have an AR quiz?

Yes — One Fat Summer 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 One Fat Summer?

One Fat Summer has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.