Irish Red
Yearling 1984
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- human–animal bond
- perseverance
- identity and purpose
- responsibility
- loyalty
- nature and wilderness
- family
- coming of age
About this book
Danny Pickett and his father bring home Mike, a purebred Irish setter who doesn’t act like a show-ring star—he’s headstrong, curious, and a bit of a misfit. Through patient training, backwoods know-how, and plenty of outdoor adventure, Danny learns what kind of dog Mike is meant to be. The story blends action, wilderness life, and a deep human–animal bond. Perfect for readers who love dogs and outdoor adventures without heavy content or scary moments.
Setting: rural North American wilderness and farm country, mid-20th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Irish Red right for my child?
Yes — Irish Red is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.2, which is typical for 6th 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 human–animal bond, perseverance, identity and purpose.
How long does it take to read Irish Red?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Irish Red takes around 4.7h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Irish Red have an AR quiz?
Yes — Irish Red has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Irish Red?
Irish Red has an AR reading level of 6.2, which places it at a 6th 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.