How to Eat Like a Child, and Other Lessons in Not Being a Grown-up
by Delia Ephron
Viking Adult 1978
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- childhood and growing up
- humor and satire
- family life
- school life
- sibling rivalry
- rebellion and rule‑bending
- friendship and peer dynamics
About this book
A tongue‑in‑cheek guide to being a kid, Delia Ephron’s collection of humorous 'how‑to' lessons lampoons everyday childhood behavior—from building a mashed‑potato dam and navigating the school cafeteria to pest care, sibling torment, car trips, and blunt kid‑speak. Short, illustrated bits celebrate the mischief, logic, and freedom of not being a grown‑up.
Setting: Contemporary everyday kid settings—home, school cafeteria, family car, and neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is How to Eat Like a Child, and Other Lessons in Not Being a Grown-up right for my child?
Yes — How to Eat Like a Child, and Other Lessons in Not Being a Grown-up is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 childhood and growing up, humor and satire, family life.
How long does it take to read How to Eat Like a Child, and Other Lessons in Not Being a Grown-up?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, How to Eat Like a Child, and Other Lessons in Not Being a Grown-up takes around 50m to finish. The book has 7,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does How to Eat Like a Child, and Other Lessons in Not Being a Grown-up have an AR quiz?
Yes — How to Eat Like a Child, and Other Lessons in Not Being a Grown-up has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 How to Eat Like a Child, and Other Lessons in Not Being a Grown-up?
How to Eat Like a Child, and Other Lessons in Not Being a Grown-up has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.