Soup
Dell 1984
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- mischief and pranks
- small-town life
- coming of age
- loyalty
- consequences and responsibility
- family
- humor
About this book
In this classic humorous novel, Rob and his best friend, Luther “Soup” Feeley, stir up mischief in their small Vermont town. Set in the late 1920s and early 1930s, each chapter follows the boys’ schemes, close calls, and lessons learned along the way. Short, funny episodes and a warm, nostalgic voice make it a great pick for middle-grade readers and reluctant readers alike. Kids enjoy the lively friendship, fast-paced pranks, and the relatable trouble the boys find without heavy drama.
Setting: rural Vermont, late 1920s–1930s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Soup right for my child?
Yes — Soup 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, mischief and pranks, small-town life.
How long does it take to read Soup?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Soup takes around 2.1h to finish. The book has 19,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Soup have an AR quiz?
Yes — Soup has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Soup?
Soup 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.