The Mighty Miss Malone
Yearling 2013
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include racism
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Genre
Themes
- family
- resilience
- hope
- poverty
- racism
- Great Depression
- identity
- perseverance
About this book
Deza Malone is the brightest girl in her class, but the Great Depression has turned her family’s world upside down in Gary, Indiana. When her father leaves to find work, Deza, her mother, and her brother Jimmie set out on a difficult journey to stay together and find a better future. With warmth, humor, and grit, Deza tells a story of hope and determination in hard times. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy heartfelt historical stories with strong, memorable narrators.
Setting: Gary, Indiana and the American Midwest during the Great Depression (1930s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Mighty Miss Malone right for my child?
Yes — The Mighty Miss Malone 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, resilience, hope.
How long does it take to read The Mighty Miss Malone?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Mighty Miss Malone takes around 8.9h to finish. The book has 80,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Mighty Miss Malone have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Mighty Miss Malone has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Mighty Miss Malone?
The Mighty Miss Malone 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.