The Best Bad Thing
Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books 1986
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- cultural identity
- responsibility
- friendship
- community
- prejudice and fairness
- courage
- growing up
About this book
Rinko is sure her summer is ruined when she’s sent to help a recently widowed neighbor, Mrs. Hata. But as she learns new chores and customs, Rinko discovers confidence, friendship, and the pride that comes from hard work. When unexpected troubles arise, she must find the courage to speak up and do what’s right. A warm, character-driven story set in the 1930s, it appeals to readers who enjoy family stories, cultural heritage, and strong, relatable heroines.
Setting: Japanese American community in California, 1930s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Best Bad Thing right for my child?
Yes — The Best Bad Thing is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, 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, cultural identity, responsibility.
How long does it take to read The Best Bad Thing?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Best Bad Thing takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 28,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Best Bad Thing have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Best Bad Thing 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 The Best Bad Thing?
The Best Bad Thing has an AR reading level of 4.7, 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.