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Polly panic book cover

Polly panic

by Mary Francis Shura

Putnam 1992

Great fit for 4th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

4th grade English
127
Pages
3
AR Points
3.5h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • anxiety and worry
  • friendship
  • honesty
  • self-confidence
  • family relationships
  • school life
  • problem-solving
  • identity

About this book

Polly is a smart, high-energy middle schooler whose vivid imagination and tendency to worry can turn small problems into big adventures. When school, friends, and family commitments pile up, she scrambles to keep everything under control—often with hilarious results. This realistic, upbeat story captures the jitters and joys of growing up. Readers who like funny, true-to-life school stories will enjoy Polly’s voice and root for her to find her confidence.

Setting: suburban Midwest, early 1990s

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Polly panic right for my child?

Yes — Polly panic 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 anxiety and worry, friendship, honesty.

How long does it take to read Polly panic?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Polly panic takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 31,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Polly panic have an AR quiz?

Yes — Polly panic has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Polly panic?

Polly panic 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.