Jack Plank tells tales
Michael di Capua Books 2011
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- storytelling
- belonging
- identity
- friendship and community
- imagination
- humor
- problem-solving
- self-discovery
About this book
Gentle pirate Jack Plank isn’t cut out for plundering, so he goes ashore to find an honest job. Each evening he spins a witty, tall tale about why a different job just won’t do, delighting his new friends at a seaside boardinghouse. The linked stories are full of humor, imagination, and wordplay, perfect for read‑alouds and independent readers ready for a smart, playful adventure. Fans of Natalie Babbitt’s storytelling will enjoy the warm characters and clever twisty tales.
Setting: a Caribbean seaside town in the age of pirates
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jack Plank tells tales right for my child?
Yes — Jack Plank tells tales is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, 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 storytelling, belonging, identity.
How long does it take to read Jack Plank tells tales?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Jack Plank tells tales takes around 1.7h to finish. The book has 17,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Jack Plank tells tales have an AR quiz?
Yes — Jack Plank tells tales has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Jack Plank tells tales?
Jack Plank tells tales has an AR reading level of 5, 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.