Being Teddy Roosevelt
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) 2012
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- role models
- family and financial challenges
- responsibility
- goal-setting
- self-confidence
- music and the arts
- identity
About this book
When a fourth-grade biography project pairs a boy with Theodore Roosevelt, he’s inspired by TR’s grit to tackle his own big dream: learning to play the saxophone—even if money is tight at home. Short chapters and a warm, funny voice make this an inviting read for grades 3–5. Kids enjoy the mix of school-life humor, family moments, and a relatable quest fueled by a larger-than-life role model. It’s a feel-good story about determination and finding your own way.
Setting: contemporary elementary school and small-town community
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Being Teddy Roosevelt right for my child?
Yes — Being Teddy Roosevelt is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.1, which is typical for 4th 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 perseverance, role models, family and financial challenges.
How long does it take to read Being Teddy Roosevelt?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Being Teddy Roosevelt takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 18,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Being Teddy Roosevelt have an AR quiz?
Yes — Being Teddy Roosevelt has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Being Teddy Roosevelt?
Being Teddy Roosevelt has an AR reading level of 4.1, which places it at a 4th 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.