Hunchdog of Notre Dame
Econo-Clad Books 1999
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- acceptance
- courage
- empathy
- standing up for others
- identity and self-worth
- friendship
- prejudice vs. compassion
- community
About this book
Wishbone imagines himself as the brave bell ringer of Notre Dame while helping his friends navigate challenges back in Oakdale. This fast-paced chapter book blends real-life adventures with a kid-friendly retelling of Victor Hugo’s classic. It’s a great pick for middle-grade readers who enjoy humor, action, and learning about classics through an adventurous dog’s eyes. Fans love the clever wordplay, short chapters, and the way the story highlights courage and kindness.
Setting: Oakdale, Texas (present day) and medieval Paris around Notre Dame Cathedral
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hunchdog of Notre Dame right for my child?
Yes — Hunchdog of Notre Dame 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 acceptance, courage, empathy.
How long does it take to read Hunchdog of Notre Dame?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Hunchdog of Notre Dame takes around 2.8h to finish. The book has 28,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hunchdog of Notre Dame have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hunchdog of Notre Dame has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Hunchdog of Notre Dame?
Hunchdog of Notre Dame 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.