Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes
2018
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include abuse and recovery
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- loyalty
- resilience
- abuse and recovery
- identity and self-acceptance
- bullying
- courage
- speaking up for others
About this book
Eric 'Moby' Calhoune and his best friend Sarah Byrnes have always watched out for each other—he for being overweight, she for the scars on her face. Now, as high school pressures mount and Sarah suddenly stops speaking, Eric must find the courage to uncover the truth and stand up for what’s right. With a sharp, funny voice and big heart, this story tackles tough issues while celebrating loyalty and the power of telling the truth. Ideal for mature teens who like realistic, emotionally charged stories that spark discussion.
Setting: a contemporary small-town high school in the Pacific Northwest
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include friendship, loyalty, resilience.
How long does it take to read Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes takes around 9.1h to finish. The book has 90,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes have an AR quiz?
Yes — Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes?
Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.