Felita
Bantam 1987
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.7 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- identity
- prejudice and discrimination
- belonging
- resilience
- friendship
- community
- moving and change
About this book
Felita is a Puerto Rican girl whose close-knit family decides to move from their familiar block to a new neighborhood in New York City. Excited at first, she soon faces unkind neighbors and prejudice that test her courage and sense of belonging. With support from her family, Felita learns to speak up for herself and hold on to who she is. This accessible, heartfelt story resonates with readers in grades 3–6 who enjoy realistic stories about family, identity, and finding your place.
Setting: New York City (Bronx), mid-to-late 20th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Felita right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Felita. The reading level is AR 3.7, which is typical for 3rd 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 family, identity, prejudice and discrimination.
How long does it take to read Felita?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Felita takes around 2.1h to finish. The book has 17,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Felita have an AR quiz?
Yes — Felita 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 Felita?
Felita has an AR reading level of 3.7, which places it at a 3rd 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.