Like Vanessa
by Tami Charles
Charlesbridge Publishing 2019
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.7 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- coming of age
- self-esteem and body image
- identity and self-acceptance
- colorism and beauty standards
- family and intergenerational relationships
- poverty and resilience
- friendship and mentorship
- dreams and ambition
- music and performance
- 1980s pop culture
About this book
Thirteen-year-old Vanessa Martin idolizes newly crowned Miss America Vanessa Williams. Growing up in Newark public housing in 1983 with a loving but struggling family, she wrestles with self-doubt, colorism, and her mother’s absence. When a new teacher organizes a school beauty pageant and urges her to compete, Vanessa finds her voice, self-worth, and the courage to shine on her own terms.
Setting: Newark, New Jersey, 1983; public housing, middle school, and a community/school beauty pageant
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Like Vanessa right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Like Vanessa. The reading level is AR 4.7, 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 coming of age, self-esteem and body image, identity and self-acceptance.
How long does it take to read Like Vanessa?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Like Vanessa takes around 7.0h to finish. The book has 63,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Like Vanessa have an AR quiz?
Yes — Like Vanessa has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Like Vanessa?
Like Vanessa has an AR reading level of 4.7, 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.