Bartleby of the big, bad bayou
Dutton Children's Books 2005
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- identity
- courage
- family
- community
- respect for nature
- belonging
About this book
In this Southern-flavored, humorous adventure, a boy named Bartleby finds himself tangled up with the mysteries and myths of a Louisiana bayou town. Between quirky locals, swamp critters, and tall tales that might just be true, Bartleby must figure out who he is and where he belongs. The voice is lively and playful, with plenty of atmosphere and heart. Great for middle graders who enjoy character-driven stories with a strong sense of place and a touch of mischief.
Setting: a small town on the Louisiana bayou, contemporary
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bartleby of the big, bad bayou right for my child?
Yes — Bartleby of the big, bad bayou 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 friendship, identity, courage.
How long does it take to read Bartleby of the big, bad bayou?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Bartleby of the big, bad bayou takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 50,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Bartleby of the big, bad bayou have an AR quiz?
Yes — Bartleby of the big, bad bayou 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 Bartleby of the big, bad bayou?
Bartleby of the big, bad bayou 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.