Tales from a Not-so-happy Heartbreaker
Turtleback Books 2013
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- first crushes
- self-confidence
- rivalry and jealousy
- school life
- loyalty
- humor
- identity
About this book
Nikki Maxwell is gearing up for the biggest dance of the year and hoping her crush, Brandon, will ask her—if her rival MacKenzie doesn’t get in the way first. Told through Nikki’s funny diary entries and doodles, this story captures all the awkward, exciting moments of middle school crushes and big events. Fans love the humor, everyday drama, and loyal friendship between Nikki, Chloe, and Zoey. Perfect for readers who enjoy illustrated diaries, school stories, and lighthearted romance.
Setting: modern-day suburban middle school (Westchester Country Day) and home
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tales from a Not-so-happy Heartbreaker right for my child?
Yes — Tales from a Not-so-happy Heartbreaker is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 friendship, first crushes, self-confidence.
How long does it take to read Tales from a Not-so-happy Heartbreaker?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Tales from a Not-so-happy Heartbreaker takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 32,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tales from a Not-so-happy Heartbreaker have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tales from a Not-so-happy Heartbreaker 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 Tales from a Not-so-happy Heartbreaker?
Tales from a Not-so-happy Heartbreaker has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.