Dog Lost
by Ingrid Lee
Chicken House Ltd 2008
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- loyalty
- resilience
- family
- prejudice and discrimination
- animal welfare
- community
- courage
- hope and healing
About this book
After his mother dies, a boy is forced to give up his beloved pit bull when his grieving father lashes out. The dog survives on the streets, touching the lives of strangers and showing how loyalty and love can change a community. Set against the backdrop of breed-specific laws, the story explores prejudice and what makes a family. Animal lovers who enjoy heartfelt, high-stakes stories will be hooked.
Setting: contemporary Ontario, Canada; city neighborhoods and animal shelters
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dog Lost right for my child?
Yes — Dog Lost 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 loyalty, resilience, family.
How long does it take to read Dog Lost?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Dog Lost takes around 4.9h to finish. The book has 44,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dog Lost have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dog Lost 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 Dog Lost?
Dog Lost 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.