Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great
by Judy Blume
Penguin 2002
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.5 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- self-acceptance
- facing fears
- friendship
- identity
- honesty
- family
- confidence
- growing up
About this book
Sheila Tubman wants everyone to believe she’s fearless, but inside she’s worried about lots of things—dogs, the dark, spiders, and especially swimming. A summer away from the city puts her bravado to the test when her family rents a house that comes with a dog and mandatory swim lessons. With a new friend who sees through her act, Sheila begins to face her fears one by one. Funny and honest, this story connects with kids who are figuring out who they are and how to be brave.
Setting: a summer in a small town outside New York City
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great. The reading level is AR 3.5, which is typical for 3rd 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 self-acceptance, facing fears, friendship.
How long does it take to read Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great takes around 3.6h to finish. The book has 29,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great have an AR quiz?
Yes — Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great 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 Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great?
Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great has an AR reading level of 3.5, which places it at a 3rd 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.