Striped Ice Cream
by Joan M. Lexau
Lippincott 1987
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- birthday wishes
- economic hardship
- sibling relationships
- hope and resilience
- kindness and generosity
- growing up
- gratitude
About this book
Ten-year-old Becky is counting down to her birthday in a bustling, close-knit family where money is tight and wishes have to stretch. As the big day approaches, she learns that love often shows up in small, surprising ways—sometimes as simple as a shared treat. This warm, slice-of-life story captures everyday joys and worries, perfect for readers who enjoy realistic family tales. Kids appreciate the humor, heart, and a relatable heroine navigating hopes, disappointments, and sweet surprises.
Setting: urban neighborhood, mid-20th century, summertime
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Striped Ice Cream right for my child?
Yes — Striped Ice Cream is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.1, 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 family, birthday wishes, economic hardship.
How long does it take to read Striped Ice Cream?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Striped Ice Cream takes around 1.6h to finish. The book has 14,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Striped Ice Cream have an AR quiz?
Yes — Striped Ice Cream 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 Striped Ice Cream?
Striped Ice Cream has an AR reading level of 4.1, 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.