Cages
by Peg Kehret
Aladdin 1993
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- choices and consequences
- self-acceptance
- jealousy
- responsibility
- friendship
- integrity
- animal welfare
- courage
About this book
After a moment of poor judgment, a talented but insecure middle school artist is assigned community service at an animal shelter. Working among kennels and cats, she begins to face her jealousy, fear of failure, and the consequences of her choices. As she connects with new friends and vulnerable animals, she discovers courage and a clearer sense of who she wants to be. A realistic, heartfelt story for tweens who enjoy second chances, art, and animals.
Setting: contemporary small-town middle school and local animal shelter
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cages right for my child?
Yes — Cages is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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 choices and consequences, self-acceptance, jealousy.
How long does it take to read Cages?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Cages takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 39,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Cages have an AR quiz?
Yes — Cages has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Cages?
Cages has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.