Too big a storm
by Marsha Qualey
Dial Books 2004
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- activism and protest
- friendship
- family dynamics
- first love
- identity and self-discovery
- social justice
- courage
- coming of age
About this book
Set in the late 1960s Midwest, Too Big a Storm follows a thoughtful teenage girl as she navigates friendship, first crushes, and growing awareness of the turbulent social changes around her. With protests, changing family dynamics, and shifting loyalties swirling, she must decide what she believes—and how to speak up. Readers who enjoy character-driven, historically grounded stories will find plenty to discuss. The book resonates with middle schoolers and young teens ready for themes of activism, identity, and finding your voice.
Setting: Minnesota, late 1960s (Vietnam War and civil rights era)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Too big a storm right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Too big a storm. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include activism and protest, friendship, family dynamics.
How long does it take to read Too big a storm?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Too big a storm takes around 7.2h to finish. The book has 65,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Too big a storm have an AR quiz?
Yes — Too big a storm has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Too big a storm?
Too big a storm has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.