How it was with Dooms
by Xan Hopcraft
Rebound By Sagebrush 2000
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- responsibility
- compassion
- wildlife conservation
- respect for nature
- family
- growing up
About this book
This true story follows young Xan Hopcraft as his family cares for an orphaned cheetah named Dooms on their farm in Kenya. Told from a child’s perspective and paired with striking wildlife photographs, it shows the joy and challenges of living alongside a wild animal. Readers who love animals and real-life adventures will be drawn to the close bond between boy and cheetah and the vivid African setting. It’s a compelling read for animal lovers and budding conservationists.
Setting: rural Kenya, African savanna
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is How it was with Dooms right for my child?
Yes — How it was with Dooms is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 friendship, responsibility, compassion.
How long does it take to read How it was with Dooms?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, How it was with Dooms takes around 15m to finish. The book has 2,400 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does How it was with Dooms have an AR quiz?
Yes — How it was with Dooms 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 How it was with Dooms?
How it was with Dooms has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.