Rabble Starkey
by Lois Lowry
1987
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- family
- mental health
- class and socioeconomic differences
- identity and belonging
- loyalty
- resilience
- coming of age
About this book
Twelve-year-old Rabble and her single mom move in with the Bigelow family when Rabble’s best friend Veronica’s mother experiences a serious mental health crisis. Life in the Bigelows’ comfortable home feels safe and full of possibility, but whispers in their small town and complicated adult choices make Rabble question where she truly belongs. Lois Lowry blends warmth and honesty in a heartfelt, accessible story about family, class, and loyalty. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy realistic stories about friendship and finding your place in the world.
Setting: small-town America, 1980s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rabble Starkey right for my child?
Yes — Rabble Starkey 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, family, mental health.
How long does it take to read Rabble Starkey?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Rabble Starkey takes around 5.8h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Rabble Starkey have an AR quiz?
Yes — Rabble Starkey 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 Rabble Starkey?
Rabble Starkey 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.