Telephone Tag
by Sherry Shahan
Yearling 1996
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.8 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- communication
- identity
- expectations vs. reality
- first crush
- honesty
- self-confidence
About this book
Heather and Justin have never met, but their phone conversations quickly turn into a close friendship filled with jokes, secrets, and everyday dramas. When Justin invites Heather to his party, she wonders if their easy, long-distance bond will feel the same face to face. This light, relatable story explores the ups and downs of friendships and first crushes in the pre-texting era. It’s a comforting pick for middle graders who enjoy realistic situations, gentle humor, and taking small social risks.
Setting: contemporary suburban United States, 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Telephone Tag right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Telephone Tag. The reading level is AR 3.8, which is typical for 3rd 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, communication, identity.
How long does it take to read Telephone Tag?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Telephone Tag takes around 2.5h to finish. The book has 20,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Telephone Tag have an AR quiz?
Yes — Telephone Tag 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 Telephone Tag?
Telephone Tag has an AR reading level of 3.8, which places it at a 3rd 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.