Francis, the Poor Man of Assisi
Open Road Media 2013
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.8 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- compassion
- faith and spirituality
- service to others
- humility
- kindness to animals
- simplicity
- empathy
- community
About this book
Tomie dePaola’s warm, accessible biography introduces young readers to Francis of Assisi and his choice to live simply, care for the poor, and show kindness to animals. Gentle, episodic storytelling pairs with dePaola’s signature folk-style art to bring medieval Italy to life. It’s a thoughtful, age-appropriate look at values like compassion and generosity, perfect for family reading or classroom discussions. Kids enjoy the inspiring true story and the memorable scenes of Francis’s friendship with people and creatures alike.
Setting: medieval Assisi and the Italian countryside
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Francis, the Poor Man of Assisi right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Francis, the Poor Man of Assisi. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include compassion, faith and spirituality, service to others.
How long does it take to read Francis, the Poor Man of Assisi?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Francis, the Poor Man of Assisi takes around 11m to finish. The book has 1,700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Francis, the Poor Man of Assisi have an AR quiz?
Yes — Francis, the Poor Man of Assisi has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Francis, the Poor Man of Assisi?
Francis, the Poor Man of Assisi has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.