Skip to main content
The AR Booklist
Ferris book cover

Ferris

by Kate DiCamillo

Candlewick Press 2024

Great fit for 4th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

4th grade English Juvenile Fiction
241
Pages
5
AR Points
4.7h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.

Learn more about Accelerated Reading →

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • family
  • sisterhood
  • growing up
  • grief and healing
  • community
  • creativity and art
  • hope
  • humor

About this book

It’s the summer before fifth grade, and Ferris Wilkey’s world is delightfully upside down. Her little sister is plotting an outlaw life, her uncle has moved into the basement to paint, and her beloved grandmother keeps seeing a ghost at her doorway. With warmth and humor, Ferris tries to make sense of big changes, small mysteries, and the many kinds of love that hold a family together. A heartfelt, funny story perfect for readers who enjoy quirky characters and everyday magic.

Setting: a small American town, present day, during one summer

Readers also enjoyed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ferris right for my child?

Yes — Ferris 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 family, sisterhood, growing up.

How long does it take to read Ferris?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Ferris takes around 4.7h to finish. The book has 42,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Ferris have an AR quiz?

Yes — Ferris has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Ferris?

Ferris 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.