Bartleby of the Mighty Mississippi
Dutton Children's Books 2000
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- adventure
- courage
- friendship
- family
- honesty
- perseverance
- self-reliance
- nature and river life
About this book
Set along the sweeping bends of the Mississippi, this middle-grade adventure follows Bartleby, a quick-thinking kid whose chance to head downriver changes everything. Drawn into the bustling world of riverboats, shifting loyalties, and long-held secrets, he must rely on grit and a few unexpected friends to keep himself—and the truth—afloat. With humor, heart, and a strong sense of place, the story celebrates courage and doing the right thing. A great pick for readers who enjoy character-driven adventures and American river lore.
Setting: along the Mississippi River; small towns and a riverboat
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bartleby of the Mighty Mississippi right for my child?
Yes — Bartleby of the Mighty Mississippi is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.4, 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 adventure, courage, friendship.
How long does it take to read Bartleby of the Mighty Mississippi?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Bartleby of the Mighty Mississippi takes around 4.5h to finish. The book has 45,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Bartleby of the Mighty Mississippi have an AR quiz?
Yes — Bartleby of the Mighty Mississippi has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Mighty Mississippi?
Bartleby of the Mighty Mississippi has an AR reading level of 5.4, 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.