Donkey rescue
by Tessa Krailing
Scholastic 1997
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- animal welfare
- empathy
- responsibility
- perseverance
- healing and trust
- community support
- advocacy
- problem-solving
About this book
When two kids discover a neglected donkey, they team up with a local sanctuary to give the gentle animal a second chance. As they learn how to earn the donkey’s trust, they also navigate tough choices about responsibility and speaking up for what’s right. This heartfelt, realistic story is perfect for animal lovers and developing readers who enjoy rescue tales with hope. Short chapters and a fast pace make it an inviting pick for ages 8–11.
Setting: a small English village and a donkey sanctuary, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Donkey rescue right for my child?
Yes — Donkey rescue is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.4, 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 animal welfare, empathy, responsibility.
How long does it take to read Donkey rescue?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Donkey rescue takes around 1.9h to finish. The book has 17,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Donkey rescue have an AR quiz?
Yes — Donkey rescue 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 Donkey rescue?
Donkey rescue has an AR reading level of 4.4, 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.