Greyfriars Bobby
by Eleanor Atkinson
Penguin Books, Limited (UK) 1994
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- loyalty
- grief and healing
- friendship
- community and belonging
- perseverance
- human–animal bond
- compassion
- tradition vs. authority
About this book
This classic novel tells the true-to-life tale of Bobby, a small Skye Terrier in Edinburgh who cannot bear to leave his master's resting place. As the city rallies around him, Bobby finds friends among children and townsfolk while holding fast to an unshakable bond. Written with rich historical detail and Scottish flavor, the story invites readers to explore loyalty, love, and community. It’s a moving choice for animal lovers and strong readers who enjoy heartfelt, character-driven stories.
Setting: Edinburgh, Scotland, mid-19th century (Greyfriars Kirkyard and surrounding city)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Greyfriars Bobby right for my child?
Yes — Greyfriars Bobby is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.6, which is typical for 7th 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 loyalty, grief and healing, friendship.
How long does it take to read Greyfriars Bobby?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Greyfriars Bobby takes around 5.6h to finish. The book has 59,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Greyfriars Bobby have an AR quiz?
Yes — Greyfriars Bobby has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Greyfriars Bobby?
Greyfriars Bobby has an AR reading level of 7.6, which places it at a 7th 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.