How to Save Your Tail
by Mary Hanson
Schwartz & Wade 2007
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- storytelling
- cleverness
- survival
- trickery
- ingenuity
- humor
- fairy-tale retellings
About this book
A quick-witted rat named Jack gets nabbed by two hungry cats and must spin one captivating story after another to keep from becoming their dinner. His tall tales cleverly twist familiar fairy tales, with plenty of humor, cliffhangers, and cookie talk along the way. Short chapters and lively illustrations make this a fun read-aloud or an engaging pick for independent readers. Perfect for kids who enjoy fractured fairy tales and laugh-out-loud adventures.
Setting: a fairy-tale kingdom centered around a royal kitchen
Frequently Asked Questions
Is How to Save Your Tail right for my child?
Yes — How to Save Your Tail is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.2, 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 storytelling, cleverness, survival.
How long does it take to read How to Save Your Tail?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, How to Save Your Tail takes around 1.3h to finish. The book has 12,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does How to Save Your Tail have an AR quiz?
Yes — How to Save Your Tail has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 to Save Your Tail?
How to Save Your Tail has an AR reading level of 4.2, 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.