Jo and the bandit
Maxwell Macmillan Canada 1992
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- trust
- justice
- identity
- loyalty
- family
- survival
- secrets
About this book
When resourceful Jo finds herself in a rough Western town, she hears whispers about a notorious bandit hiding nearby. A chance encounter pulls her into a tangle of secrets, danger, and split loyalties. Jo must rely on her wits and courage to decide whom to trust and how to keep herself and her family safe. Fast-paced chapters and a strong heroine make this an engaging read for middle-grade mystery and adventure fans.
Setting: the American West frontier, late 1800s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jo and the bandit right for my child?
Yes — Jo and the bandit 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 courage, trust, justice.
How long does it take to read Jo and the bandit?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Jo and the bandit takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Jo and the bandit have an AR quiz?
Yes — Jo and the bandit 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 Jo and the bandit?
Jo and the bandit 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.