Elephant run
by Roland Smith
Scholastic 2008
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include war and occupation
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- survival
- family bonds
- friendship across cultures
- war and occupation
- resistance and freedom
- loyalty
- human–animal connection
About this book
During World War II, London teen Nick Freestone is sent to his father’s teak plantation in Burma, where the Japanese invasion shatters life overnight. With help from friends and the powerful elephants that work the forests, Nick must find the courage to survive and attempt a daring rescue. Blending rich historical detail with nonstop adventure, the story explores family, loyalty, and hope under occupation. Ideal for middle-grade readers who enjoy fast-paced historical adventures and animal stories.
Setting: Burma (Myanmar) during World War II, teak plantation and jungle
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elephant run right for my child?
Yes — Elephant run is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 courage, survival, family bonds.
How long does it take to read Elephant run?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Elephant run takes around 8.3h to finish. The book has 82,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Elephant run have an AR quiz?
Yes — Elephant run has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Elephant run?
Elephant run has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.