Spike It!
Can Jamie learn to live with her new stepsister?
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 1999
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- blended families
- jealousy
- teamwork
- sportsmanship
- rivalry
- self-acceptance
- communication
- perseverance
About this book
A dedicated middle-school volleyball player is excited for a new season—until her dad announces he’s remarrying and a stepsister her age is moving in. When the newcomer quickly becomes a star on the same team, jealousy and competition threaten to spike family harmony and team morale. This fast-paced sports story blends on-court action with real-life challenges of adjusting to a blended family. Kids enjoy the authentic game details, relatable feelings, and an uplifting journey toward teamwork and trust.
Setting: contemporary suburban middle school and volleyball courts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spike It! right for my child?
Yes — Spike It! 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 blended families, jealousy, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Spike It!?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Spike It! takes around 3.2h to finish. The book has 29,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Spike It! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Spike It! 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 Spike It!?
Spike It! 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.