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School spirit book cover

School spirit

by Johanna Hurwitz

Morrow Junior Books 1994

Great fit for 4th grade

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

4th grade English
139
Pages
3
AR Points
2.7h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • leadership
  • friendship
  • community and school pride
  • responsibility
  • teamwork
  • self-confidence
  • initiative
  • belonging

About this book

A sixth-grade student decides his school could use more pride and sets out to boost spirit with big ideas, from pep events to small acts that bring classmates together. Along the way, he juggles homework, family expectations, and a few funny missteps as friendships shift and responsibilities grow. Johanna Hurwitz’s warm, realistic story captures everyday school life with humor and heart. It’s a great pick for readers who like relatable characters, light comedy, and school stories about taking initiative.

Setting: a suburban public middle school in the United States, contemporary (1990s)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is School spirit right for my child?

Yes — School spirit is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, 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 leadership, friendship, community and school pride.

How long does it take to read School spirit?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, School spirit takes around 2.7h to finish. The book has 24,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does School spirit have an AR quiz?

Yes — School spirit 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 School spirit?

School spirit has an AR reading level of 4.3, 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.