Plastic Polly
by Jenny Lundquist
Simon and Schuster 2013
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- popularity
- friendship
- identity
- peer pressure
- leadership
- integrity
- self-confidence
- belonging
About this book
Polly Pierce is the second-most popular girl at Winston Academy, known for agreeing with whatever her best friend says—even if it earns her the nickname “Plastic Polly.” When an accident sidelines her BFF, Polly suddenly finds herself in charge of the school’s big talent show and the decisions that come with it. As the pressure mounts, she must figure out who she is without someone else telling her what to think. Middle-grade readers will relate to the drama of friends, reputation, and finding the courage to speak up.
Setting: a contemporary suburban private middle school
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plastic Polly right for my child?
Yes — Plastic Polly is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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 popularity, friendship, identity.
How long does it take to read Plastic Polly?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Plastic Polly takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 39,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Plastic Polly have an AR quiz?
Yes — Plastic Polly has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Plastic Polly?
Plastic Polly has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.