Rabble Starkey
by Lois Lowry
Yearling 1988
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family and belonging
- mother-daughter bond
- friendship
- identity and self-discovery
- class and privilege
- mental health
- choices and independence
- resilience
About this book
Rabble Starkey and her single mom move in with the wealthy Bigelow family when Mrs. Bigelow needs help caring for her children. In the comfort of their big house, Rabble wonders if she’s finally found the kind of home she’s always wanted. As friendships deepen and family lines blur, Rabble must decide where she truly belongs. Thoughtful and heartfelt, this realistic story resonates with middle-grade readers who enjoy character-driven books about family, identity, and finding your place.
Setting: a small American town, contemporary to the late 1980s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rabble Starkey right for my child?
Yes — Rabble Starkey is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th 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 family and belonging, mother-daughter bond, friendship.
How long does it take to read Rabble Starkey?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Rabble Starkey takes around 6.0h to finish. The book has 59,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Rabble Starkey have an AR quiz?
Yes — Rabble Starkey has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 5.3, which places it at a 5th 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.