Playing for Keeps
Dell Laurel-leaf 2001
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- competition
- jealousy
- friendship
- trust
- courage
- bullying
- perseverance
- identity
About this book
In this fast-paced suspense novel, a teen determined to prove herself in a new school discovers that competition can turn dangerous when someone starts sending threats and setting her up to fail. As the pressure rises on and off the playing field, she must figure out whom to trust before the stakes get too high. Joan Lowery Nixon blends mystery with real-life school dramas, keeping pages turning with short chapters and cliffhangers. A great pick for middle school readers who like realistic thrills without graphic content.
Setting: contemporary suburban high school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Playing for Keeps right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Playing for Keeps. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include competition, jealousy, friendship.
How long does it take to read Playing for Keeps?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Playing for Keeps takes around 5.8h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Playing for Keeps have an AR quiz?
Yes — Playing for Keeps has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Playing for Keeps?
Playing for Keeps has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.