Emily's Runaway Imagination
Yearling 1986
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- imagination
- family
- community
- responsibility
- perseverance
- humor
- growing up
- small-town life
About this book
Set in small-town Oregon in the 1920s, Emily has a lively imagination that always seems to lead to big, funny problems—and clever solutions. From farmyard mishaps to town adventures, she learns to channel her ideas into something that helps her whole community, like bringing a library to town. Beverly Cleary’s warm, humorous storytelling makes this a charming, classic read for elementary and middle-grade readers. Kids enjoy Emily’s relatable mistakes, can-do spirit, and the cozy sense of family and community.
Setting: rural small-town Oregon, 1920s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emily's Runaway Imagination right for my child?
Yes — Emily's Runaway Imagination is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 imagination, family, community.
How long does it take to read Emily's Runaway Imagination?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Emily's Runaway Imagination takes around 4.5h to finish. The book has 45,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Emily's Runaway Imagination have an AR quiz?
Yes — Emily's Runaway Imagination 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 Emily's Runaway Imagination?
Emily's Runaway Imagination has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.