Out of order
by Betty Hicks
Scholastic 2006
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- family and divorce
- change and resilience
- identity
- communication
- self-advocacy
- empathy
- school life
About this book
A realistic, funny, and heartfelt look at middle school when life suddenly feels out of control. As family dynamics shift and friendships get complicated, a thoughtful tween navigates new rules at home and school while figuring out who to trust and how to speak up. Short chapters and a conversational voice make it a quick, engaging read. Perfect for readers who enjoy true-to-life stories about family change, friendship, and finding your footing.
Setting: contemporary suburban middle school and home
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Out of order right for my child?
Yes — Out of order 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 friendship, family and divorce, change and resilience.
How long does it take to read Out of order?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Out of order takes around 3.8h to finish. The book has 34,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Out of order have an AR quiz?
Yes — Out of order 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 Out of order?
Out of order 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.