It's Like This, Cat
HarperCollins 2019
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family dynamics
- coming of age
- friendship
- responsibility
- urban life
- independence
- empathy
- human–animal bond
About this book
In 1960s New York City, fourteen-year-old Dave Mitchell adopts a tough tomcat he simply calls Cat—and finds his world unexpectedly opening up. As Dave navigates clashes with his father and worries about his mother’s health, Cat leads him to new friendships and fresh perspectives, including a girl he can really talk to. This slice-of-life story blends humor and heart with a vivid urban setting. It’s a great pick for middle graders who enjoy realistic stories about family, growing up, and the special bond between kids and their pets.
Setting: New York City, 1960s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is It's Like This, Cat right for my child?
Yes — It's Like This, Cat is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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 family dynamics, coming of age, friendship.
How long does it take to read It's Like This, Cat?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, It's Like This, Cat takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 45,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does It's Like This, Cat have an AR quiz?
Yes — It's Like This, Cat has an AR quiz available, worth 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 It's Like This, Cat?
It's Like This, Cat has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.