Tales from a Not-So-Best Friend Forever
Thorndike Striving Reader 2020
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- rivalry and jealousy
- self-confidence
- performing and fame
- teamwork
- identity
- perseverance
- humor
About this book
Nikki Maxwell is over the moon when her band lands a dream gig: opening for the chart-topping Bad Boyz on tour. But the excitement comes with a catch—she has to room with her rival, MacKenzie Hollister, who seems determined to stir up drama at every stop. With concerts, crush confusion, and friendship flare-ups, Nikki must juggle the spotlight and her feelings. Fans love the diary-style humor, doodles, and relatable middle-school mishaps that keep the laughs coming without giving away the big moments.
Setting: contemporary United States, on a pop concert tour
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tales from a Not-So-Best Friend Forever right for my child?
Yes — Tales from a Not-So-Best Friend Forever is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th 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, rivalry and jealousy, self-confidence.
How long does it take to read Tales from a Not-So-Best Friend Forever?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Tales from a Not-So-Best Friend Forever takes around 3.2h to finish. The book has 32,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tales from a Not-So-Best Friend Forever have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tales from a Not-So-Best Friend Forever has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Tales from a Not-So-Best Friend Forever?
Tales from a Not-So-Best Friend Forever has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th 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.