The Great Godden
by Meg Rosoff
Penguin 2021
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.1 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- coming of age
- first love
- jealousy
- desire
- family dynamics
- identity
- power and charisma
- betrayal
About this book
During one luminous summer at a seaside holiday house, a watchful, unnamed narrator observes the shifting dynamics of siblings, cousins, and friends as they prepare for a wedding. The arrival of two brothers—magnetic Kit and quiet Hugo—upends the lazy days and stirs up first love, jealousy, and uneasy fascination. Told in elegant, economical prose, this coming-of-age story captures the intensity of summer and the way one season can change everything. Perfect for teens who enjoy moody, character-driven reads with a strong sense of place.
Setting: a seaside holiday house in England over one transformative summer
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Great Godden right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Great Godden. The reading level is AR 5.1, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include coming of age, first love, jealousy.
How long does it take to read The Great Godden?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Great Godden takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 50,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Great Godden have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Great Godden has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Great Godden?
The Great Godden has an AR reading level of 5.1, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.