Places I Never Meant to be
Original Stories by Censored Writers
by Judy Blume
Simon and Schuster 1999
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.8 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- censorship and free speech
- identity
- adolescence
- personal choices and consequences
- voice and self-expression
- empathy
- family and relationships
- social pressures
About this book
Edited by Judy Blume, this anthology gathers original short stories from twelve frequently challenged authors, each followed by a brief essay on censorship. The pieces explore the pressures and private moments of teen life while asking why certain books spark debate. It’s a strong choice for high school readers and classrooms looking to discuss free expression and the power of stories. Teens appreciate the honest voices, varied perspectives, and conversation-starting topics.
Setting: Various contemporary settings in the United States
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Places I Never Meant to be right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Places I Never Meant to be. The reading level is AR 5.8, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include censorship and free speech, identity, adolescence.
How long does it take to read Places I Never Meant to be?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Places I Never Meant to be takes around 6.6h to finish. The book has 65,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Places I Never Meant to be have an AR quiz?
Yes — Places I Never Meant to be has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Places I Never Meant to be?
Places I Never Meant to be has an AR reading level of 5.8, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.