Princess Ashley
by Richard Peck
Laurel Leaf 1987
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.8 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- popularity and social status
- peer pressure
- manipulation and control
- identity and self-discovery
- friendship and loyalty
- consequences of choices
- bullying
- coming of age
About this book
At a new high school, a quiet, observant girl is swept into the orbit of Ashley, the beautiful and powerful "princess" who seems to rule the halls. The pull of popularity is thrilling—but it comes with expectations, secrets, and a growing sense that someone is always being used. Richard Peck’s sharp, witty writing captures the pressures of teen social life and the cost of fitting in. A great pick for teens who enjoy realistic high school drama with moral dilemmas and strong character insight.
Setting: a suburban Midwestern high school, 1980s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Princess Ashley right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Princess Ashley. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include popularity and social status, peer pressure, manipulation and control.
How long does it take to read Princess Ashley?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Princess Ashley takes around 6.3h to finish. The book has 57,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Princess Ashley have an AR quiz?
Yes — Princess Ashley has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Princess Ashley?
Princess Ashley has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.