Out of Patience
by Brian Meehl
Random House Children's Books 2009
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- small-town life
- family
- friendship
- identity
- tradition vs. change
- community pride
- legends and folklore
- coming of age
About this book
In the one-stoplight town of Patience, Kansas, a boy just wants a normal life—except his dad is obsessed with outhouses and the town may be under a not-so-flushable curse. When strange events bubble up, he’s pulled into a hilarious tangle of tall tales, small-town politics, and family pride. Fast-paced humor, quirky characters, and a dash of mystery keep pages turning. Great for middle graders who like laugh-out-loud stories with heart.
Setting: the small town of Patience, Kansas, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Out of Patience right for my child?
Yes — Out of Patience is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 small-town life, family, friendship.
How long does it take to read Out of Patience?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Out of Patience takes around 8.7h to finish. The book has 78,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Out of Patience have an AR quiz?
Yes — Out of Patience has an AR quiz available, worth 11 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 Patience?
Out of Patience has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.