Where I'd like to be
by Frances O'Roark Dowell, Bruce Katz
Aladdin 2004
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- belonging
- found family
- friendship
- identity
- resilience
- home
- imagination vs. truth
- healing
About this book
A thoughtful, heartfelt story about a girl in foster care who longs for a place to belong. With a big imagination and a gift for storytelling, she navigates new friendships and a warm, bustling home that just might feel like her own. Readers see how hope, honesty, and connection can help someone find their footing. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy realistic stories with deep feelings and a strong voice.
Setting: a contemporary small Southern town
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Where I'd like to be right for my child?
Yes — Where I'd like to be 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 belonging, found family, friendship.
How long does it take to read Where I'd like to be?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Where I'd like to be takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 50,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Where I'd like to be have an AR quiz?
Yes — Where I'd like to be has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Where I'd like to be?
Where I'd like to be 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.