Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great
by Judy Blume
National Geographic Books 2007
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
- friendship
- self-acceptance
- overcoming fears
- honesty
- confidence
- family dynamics
- identity
- growing up
About this book
Ten-year-old Sheila Tubman spends the summer in Tarrytown, New York, where new friends and activities nudge her to face the fears she tries hard to hide. With Judy Blume’s trademark humor and heart, readers watch Sheila discover what she’s capable of when she’s honest with herself. It’s a relatable, funny look at growing up, friendship, and confidence. Perfect for elementary and middle-grade readers who like realistic stories with big laughs and lots of heart.
Setting: Tarrytown, New York, during a summer in the suburbs
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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 friendship, self-acceptance, overcoming fears.
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 3.7h to finish. The book has 30,000 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.