Listening for lions
HarperCollins 2008
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
- identity
- courage
- grief and healing
- integrity and truth
- deception and betrayal
- cross-cultural understanding
- belonging
- justice
About this book
After the 1919 influenza epidemic sweeps through British East Africa, Rachel Sheridan, the daughter of missionary doctors, is swept into a scheming family’s plan that sends her from Kenya to a grand estate in England. Torn between two worlds, she must find her voice and hold fast to the truth about who she is. Rich historical detail and a strong, resilient heroine make this an engaging read for middle-grade readers who like character-driven stories. Themes of identity, courage, and justice resonate without giving away the book’s many turns.
Setting: colonial Kenya and a Yorkshire estate in England, 1919–1920 (post–World War I influenza pandemic)
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Listening for lions right for my child?
Yes — Listening for lions is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 identity, courage, grief and healing.
How long does it take to read Listening for lions?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Listening for lions takes around 4.8h to finish. The book has 47,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Listening for lions have an AR quiz?
Yes — Listening for lions has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Listening for lions?
Listening for lions has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.