Merle the High Flying Squirrel
by Bill Peet
Turtleback 1983
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.6 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- perseverance
- self-acceptance
- adventure
- problem-solving
- nature and wildlife
- curiosity
- independence
About this book
Merle is a curious flying squirrel who dreams of soaring higher and farther than the rest of his forest friends. One blustery day his ambition takes him on an unexpected journey, where he must rely on quick thinking and his natural gliding skills. Bill Peet’s warm humor, lively rhyme, and detailed illustrations make this a fun read-aloud. It’s perfect for young readers who enjoy animal adventures with gentle lessons about courage and being yourself.
Setting: a woodland forest and nearby countryside
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merle the High Flying Squirrel right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Merle the High Flying Squirrel. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include courage, perseverance, self-acceptance.
How long does it take to read Merle the High Flying Squirrel?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Merle the High Flying Squirrel takes around 11m to finish. The book has 1,650 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Merle the High Flying Squirrel have an AR quiz?
Yes — Merle the High Flying Squirrel has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Merle the High Flying Squirrel?
Merle the High Flying Squirrel has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.