Gorky Rises
Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR) 1980
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.1 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- imagination
- experimentation
- curiosity
- resourcefulness
- adventure
- weather and nature
- problem-solving
- independence
About this book
Gorky, an inventive young frog, mixes up a curious potion and drifts into an unforgettable sky-high adventure. As he glides above his town, he must rely on quick thinking and courage to find his way. William Steig’s rich language and expressive art make this a delightful read-aloud with plenty of juicy vocabulary. Perfect for imaginative kids who love quirky humor and gentle suspense.
Setting: a small frog town and the open sky
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gorky Rises right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Gorky Rises. The reading level is AR 4.1, 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 imagination, experimentation, curiosity.
How long does it take to read Gorky Rises?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Gorky Rises takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Gorky Rises have an AR quiz?
Yes — Gorky Rises 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 Gorky Rises?
Gorky Rises has an AR reading level of 4.1, 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.