Planning the impossible
by Mavis Jukes
Delacorte Press 1999
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 dynamics
- perseverance
- responsibility
- problem-solving
- self-discovery
- humor
About this book
A smart, well-meaning middle schooler sets out to make a big plan work—something that feels totally impossible—while juggling friendships, family curveballs, and first-crush nerves. Her love of lists and schedules meets real-life surprises, pushing her to rethink what success looks like. With humor and heart, the story shows how problem-solving, teamwork, and a little flexibility can turn setbacks into wins. Fans of realistic, funny school-and-family stories will enjoy the voice and relatable situations.
Setting: suburban United States, late 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Planning the impossible right for my child?
Yes — Planning the impossible is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, 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 dynamics, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Planning the impossible?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Planning the impossible takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 48,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Planning the impossible have an AR quiz?
Yes — Planning the impossible 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 Planning the impossible?
Planning the impossible has an AR reading level of 4.8, 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.