
Flora & Ulysses
The Illuminated Adventures
Candlewick Press 2013
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- family
- identity
- imagination
- courage
- hope
- resilience
- forgiveness
About this book
Flora Belle Buckman is a comic-loving cynic whose world changes when she rescues a squirrel from a vacuum accident—and discovers he now has surprising superhero abilities. Together, Flora and Ulysses embark on humorous, heartfelt adventures that test their courage and open their hearts. Blending prose with comic-style illustrations, this Newbery Medal winner is perfect for readers who enjoy quirky humor, animal heroes, and stories about family and friendship. Great for grades 3–6 and anyone who likes a laugh with their heroics.
Setting: contemporary suburban neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Flora & Ulysses right for my child?
Yes — Flora & Ulysses is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, 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 friendship, family, identity.
How long does it take to read Flora & Ulysses?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Flora & Ulysses takes around 4.2h to finish. The book has 38,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Flora & Ulysses have an AR quiz?
Yes — Flora & Ulysses 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 Flora & Ulysses?
Flora & Ulysses has an AR reading level of 4.3, 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.