Born to fly
by Michael Ferrari
Delacorte Press 2009
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include World War II home front
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- prejudice and tolerance
- gender roles
- mystery and espionage
- patriotism and duty
- identity
- World War II home front
About this book
During the early days of World War II, tomboy Bird McGill dreams of flying like her heroes in the sky. On the Rhode Island coast, she befriends Kenji, a new boy facing prejudice because of his Japanese heritage. When strange events hint at sabotage near the local airfield, Bird’s curiosity and courage pull her into a high-stakes mystery on the home front. Fast-paced, heartfelt, and empowering, it’s a great pick for readers who love history, adventure, and strong heroines.
Setting: coastal Rhode Island, United States; 1941–1942 (World War II home front)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Born to fly right for my child?
Yes — Born to fly is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, 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 friendship, courage, prejudice and tolerance.
How long does it take to read Born to fly?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Born to fly takes around 5.8h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Born to fly have an AR quiz?
Yes — Born to fly 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 Born to fly?
Born to fly has an AR reading level of 4.8, 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.