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Anansi Does the Impossible! book cover

Anansi Does the Impossible!

An Ashanti Tale

by Verna Aardema

Aladdin 2000

★★★★☆

Challenging read for K–3rd grade

Reading level 4 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range

4th grade English Juvenile Fiction
0.5
AR Points
6m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Folklore

Themes

  • trickery and wit
  • teamwork and family
  • problem-solving
  • resourcefulness
  • perseverance
  • storytelling and folklore

About this book

In this lively Ashanti folktale, the trickster spider Anansi sets out to win back all the world’s stories from the powerful Sky God. The price is outrageous—a live python, a real fairy, and forty-seven stinging hornets—but with help from his clever wife, Aso, Anansi hatches a plan. Kids enjoy the playful problem-solving, rhythmic language, and the fun of seeing a small hero outsmart a giant challenge. Perfect for read-alouds and for early elementary readers who love trickster tales and folklore.

Setting: West Africa and the Sky God’s realm (Ashanti tale world)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Anansi Does the Impossible! right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Anansi Does the Impossible!. The reading level is AR 4, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include trickery and wit, teamwork and family, problem-solving.

How long does it take to read Anansi Does the Impossible!?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Anansi Does the Impossible! takes around 6m to finish. The book has 950 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Anansi Does the Impossible! have an AR quiz?

Yes — Anansi Does the Impossible! has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Anansi Does the Impossible!?

Anansi Does the Impossible! has an AR reading level of 4, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.