Fitchett's folly
by Colby F. Rodowsky
Farrar Strauss Giroux 1987
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- community
- family relationships
- identity
- change
- friendship
- civic engagement
- preserving history
- responsibility
About this book
In this realistic middle-grade novel, a thoughtful young teen grapples with family changes and the fate of a neighborhood landmark nicknamed “Fitchett’s Folly.” As rumors of demolition swirl, she digs into the history of the place and what it has meant to the people around her. The story explores how one determined kid can find her voice, make sense of complicated feelings, and rally friends and neighbors. It’s a great pick for readers who enjoy character-driven stories about community, growing up, and standing up for what matters.
Setting: a contemporary East Coast city neighborhood, 1980s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fitchett's folly right for my child?
Yes — Fitchett's folly is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 community, family relationships, identity.
How long does it take to read Fitchett's folly?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Fitchett's folly takes around 4.8h to finish. The book has 48,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Fitchett's folly have an AR quiz?
Yes — Fitchett's folly 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 Fitchett's folly?
Fitchett's folly has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.