Reading Metrics
Description
Andrea, Olivia, Mia, and Emma are planning the perfect birthday surprise for Stephanie: a party at the Heartlake City Pool. But with all their whispering and secret plans, Stephanie accidently feels left out. Chapter Book #4
Quick Summary
If you've got a kid who loves stories about friendship and surprises, this one's right up their alley. The four friends Andrea, Olivia, Mia, and Emma have such a fun, energetic dynamic as they try to plan the perfect birthday party for Stephanie at the pool, and watching them get so caught up in keeping secrets that they accidentally make Stephanie feel left out is something kids will totally relate to. It hits that sweet spot of being light and funny while still touching on a real emotion, which makes it a great pick for kids in K-3 who are just starting to read chapter books on their own. The short chapters and AR Level of 3.2 make it approachable for newer readers without talking down to them, and at around 5,400 words it's the kind of story a kid can actually finish in a sitting or two. Parents will appreciate that it naturally opens up conversations about friendship, inclusion, and how good intentions can sometimes miss the mark. If your kid enjoyed "The Bad Guys" by Aaron Blabey or other early chapter books with humor and heart, they'll likely click with this one too.