Remembering the good times
by Richard Peck
Pan Books 1985
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- coming of age
- peer pressure
- mental health
- grief and loss
- identity
- family relationships
- small-town life
About this book
In a small Ohio town, Buck looks back on the middle school and early high school years he shared with his friends Kate and Travis. As they navigate lockers, jobs, and family changes, their tight trio learns how quickly life can shift. Richard Peck blends humor and tenderness with thoughtful questions about growing up, pressure to succeed, and what it means to be a true friend. A thoughtful, character-driven read for mature middle schoolers and early high schoolers.
Setting: small-town Ohio, late 1970s–early 1980s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Remembering the good times right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Remembering the good times. The reading level is AR 5.5, which is typical for 5th 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 friendship, coming of age, peer pressure.
How long does it take to read Remembering the good times?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Remembering the good times takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 55,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Remembering the good times have an AR quiz?
Yes — Remembering the good times 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 Remembering the good times?
Remembering the good times has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th 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.