Best Friends Forever!
And More True Stories of Animal Friendships
by Amy Shields
National Geographic Kids 2013
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- kindness
- empathy
- acceptance
- animal behavior
- rescue and healing
- unlikely bonds
About this book
This National Geographic Kids collection shares four real-life stories of unlikely animal pairs who form extraordinary bonds. Meet an orangutan and a dog who love to swim together, a baby hippo who finds comfort with a giant tortoise, a gentle gorilla who cares for kittens, and a rescue dog who befriends animals in need. Short chapters, vivid photos, and fun facts make it a great pick for animal lovers and developing readers. Kids enjoy the heartwarming tales and the message that friendship can be found in surprising places.
Setting: real-world animal sanctuaries, zoos, and rescue centers around the world
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Best Friends Forever! right for my child?
Yes — Best Friends Forever! is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.9, 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, kindness, empathy.
How long does it take to read Best Friends Forever!?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Best Friends Forever! takes around 1.1h to finish. The book has 10,800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Best Friends Forever! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Best Friends Forever! has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Best Friends Forever!?
Best Friends Forever! has an AR reading level of 5.9, 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.