What Girls Are Made Of
by Elana K. Arnold
National Geographic Books 2020
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- mother-daughter relationships
- first love and heartbreak
- feminism
- body autonomy
- self-worth
- healing and resilience
- consent
About this book
Sixteen-year-old Nina is searching for what real, unconditional love looks like after a painful breakup and years of complicated messages from her mother. As she volunteers at a dog shelter and reflects on past choices, she confronts questions about desire, consent, and self-worth. The novel offers an unflinching, honest look at modern girlhood and the pressures young women face. Mature themes and frank content make it a powerful read for older teens ready for thoughtful, discussion-worthy realism.
Setting: contemporary suburban Southern California
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is What Girls Are Made Of right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for What Girls Are Made Of. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th 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 identity, mother-daughter relationships, first love and heartbreak.
How long does it take to read What Girls Are Made Of?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, What Girls Are Made Of takes around 6.7h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does What Girls Are Made Of have an AR quiz?
Yes — What Girls Are Made Of 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 What Girls Are Made Of?
What Girls Are Made Of has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th 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.