Maximillian Fly
by Angie Sage
HarperCollins 2019
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity and acceptance
- prejudice and empathy
- oppression and resistance
- found family
- courage
- loyalty
- freedom vs. control
About this book
Maximillian Fly is a gentle, roach-like human who keeps to himself in a gray, tightly controlled city—until he risks everything to help two children on the run from an oppressive regime. Their escape pulls him into secret passages, daring chases, and hard choices about right and wrong. With dark humor, heart, and inventive worldbuilding, this stand-alone adventure explores prejudice and courage. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy quirky heroes, fast-paced plots, and hopeful stories about unlikely friendships.
Setting: a bleak, authoritarian city with tunnels, rooftops, and hidden passages
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maximillian Fly right for my child?
Yes — Maximillian Fly is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.7, 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 and acceptance, prejudice and empathy, oppression and resistance.
How long does it take to read Maximillian Fly?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Maximillian Fly takes around 8.3h to finish. The book has 82,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Maximillian Fly have an AR quiz?
Yes — Maximillian Fly has an AR quiz available, worth 12 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 Maximillian Fly?
Maximillian Fly has an AR reading level of 5.7, 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.