Switcharound
by Lois Lowry
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children 1985
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- sibling relationships
- divorce and blended families
- identity and self-discovery
- gender roles and stereotypes
- empathy
- independence
- adaptability
- coming of age
About this book
In this humorous, true-to-life story, a brother and sister find their lives upended when a summer "switcharound" forces them to try new routines, rules, and responsibilities. As they adjust to different expectations at each parent’s home, they begin to question labels about what boys and girls are supposed to like or do. Lois Lowry’s warm, witty writing invites readers to see family life from more than one angle. Perfect for middle graders who enjoy realistic stories about siblings, change, and finding your own strengths.
Setting: contemporary suburban New England, summer; alternating between divorced parents’ homes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Switcharound right for my child?
Yes — Switcharound is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, 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 sibling relationships, divorce and blended families, identity and self-discovery.
How long does it take to read Switcharound?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Switcharound takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 27,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Switcharound have an AR quiz?
Yes — Switcharound has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Switcharound?
Switcharound has an AR reading level of 4.8, 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.