Some Friend
by Sally Warner
Knopf Books for Young Readers 1997
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- fitting in
- identity
- loyalty
- change
- empathy
- family
- resilience
About this book
This funny, heartfelt sequel to Dog Years follows a middle-schooler as shifting alliances and new social rules put long-time friendships to the test. Class projects, cafeteria dramas, and family moments push them to figure out what makes a real friend—and how to be one. Sally Warner’s warm, true-to-life writing and humor make this a great pick for readers who like realistic school stories. Perfect for grades 4–6 who enjoy character-driven tales about growing up and getting along.
Setting: suburban Southern California, present day
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Some Friend right for my child?
Yes — Some Friend is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.4, 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, fitting in, identity.
How long does it take to read Some Friend?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Some Friend takes around 4.2h to finish. The book has 38,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Some Friend have an AR quiz?
Yes — Some Friend has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Some Friend?
Some Friend has an AR reading level of 4.4, 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.