Out of Tune
by Gail Nall
Simon and Schuster 2017
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- following your dreams
- family dynamics
- friendship
- self-discovery
- perseverance
- music and performing
- change and resilience
- independence
About this book
Out of Tune follows a country-music-obsessed girl whose family hits the road in an RV, disrupting her plan to audition for a big singing competition. Determined not to give up on her dream, she looks for open mics and chances to perform while navigating new places, new friends, and shifting family dynamics. It’s a heartfelt road-trip story about finding your voice, even when life changes course. Perfect for middle-grade readers who love realistic stories about music, friendships, and following your dreams.
Setting: Contemporary United States road trip through RV parks and small towns, with a focus on the country music scene
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Out of Tune right for my child?
Yes — Out of Tune 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 following your dreams, family dynamics, friendship.
How long does it take to read Out of Tune?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Out of Tune takes around 8.1h to finish. The book has 73,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Out of Tune have an AR quiz?
Yes — Out of Tune 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 Tune?
Out of Tune 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.