The Boys Start the War
Yearling 2002
Book 1 of Boy/Girl Battle series
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- rivalry
- pranks and mischief
- sibling relationships
- friendship
- community
- problem-solving
- empathy
- consequences
About this book
When the Hatford brothers learn that three sisters—not the boys they expected—have moved into the house across the river, a prank-filled rivalry explodes. The boys set out to scare the Malloy girls back to Ohio, but the girls give as good as they get. Escalating tricks, mistaken scares, and one very surprising "capture" keep the feud lively and funny. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy fast-paced humor, sibling dynamics, and battles of wits.
Setting: a small river town in West Virginia, contemporary
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Boys Start the War right for my child?
Yes — The Boys Start the War is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.5, 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 rivalry, pranks and mischief, sibling relationships.
How long does it take to read The Boys Start the War?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Boys Start the War takes around 3.7h to finish. The book has 33,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Boys Start the War have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Boys Start the War 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 Boys Start the War?
The Boys Start the War has an AR reading level of 4.5, 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.