Play it again
by Laura Dower
Volo 2001
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- self-confidence
- music and performance
- fitting in
- family relationships
- crushes and first feelings
- perseverance
- identity
About this book
Middle-schooler Madison Finn is juggling friendship drama and a new music opportunity, and she’s not sure she’s ready to take center stage. Through emails, lists, and her trusty computer “files,” Madison works out how to handle nerves, shifting friendships, and a possible crush. Fans of realistic school stories will enjoy Madison’s honest voice and relatable mishaps. It’s a warm, funny look at confidence, creativity, and finding your rhythm.
Setting: contemporary Far Hills middle school and home
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Play it again right for my child?
Yes — Play it again 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 friendship, self-confidence, music and performance.
How long does it take to read Play it again?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Play it again takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 28,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Play it again have an AR quiz?
Yes — Play it again has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Play it again?
Play it again 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.