A Dragon in the Sky
The Story of a Green Darner Dragonfly
by Laurence Pringle
StarWalk Kids Media 2014
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- life cycles
- metamorphosis
- survival
- migration
- predator-prey relationships
- adaptation
- ecosystems
- observation and inquiry
About this book
This narrative nonfiction follows a single green darner dragonfly from watery nymph to swift adult, showing how it hunts, evades predators, and migrates across seasons. Clear, lyrical text blends with science facts to illuminate a remarkable insect life cycle. It’s a great fit for curious readers in upper elementary and middle grades, nature lovers, and classroom life science units. Kids enjoy the close-up look at real animal behavior and the dramatic transformations along the way.
Setting: ponds, marshes, and skies across North America
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Dragon in the Sky right for my child?
Yes — A Dragon in the Sky is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th 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 life cycles, metamorphosis, survival.
How long does it take to read A Dragon in the Sky?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, A Dragon in the Sky takes around 45m to finish. The book has 7,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Dragon in the Sky have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Dragon in the Sky 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 A Dragon in the Sky?
A Dragon in the Sky has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th 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.