Mother to Tigers
Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books 2003
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- compassion
- animal care
- breaking gender barriers
- courage
- ingenuity
- responsibility
About this book
This picture-book biography tells the true story of Helen Martini, who began caring for a fragile tiger cub and went on to create the first animal nursery at the Bronx Zoo. With lyrical text and expressive artwork, it highlights how patience and compassion can help even the wildest creatures thrive. Young animal lovers will be drawn to the tender caregiving moments and the behind-the-scenes look at a zoo. It’s an inspiring read about perseverance and a trailblazing woman who followed her heart.
Setting: Bronx Zoo, New York City, mid-20th century
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mother to Tigers right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Mother to Tigers. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 perseverance, compassion, animal care.
How long does it take to read Mother to Tigers?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Mother to Tigers takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,300 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mother to Tigers have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mother to Tigers 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 Mother to Tigers?
Mother to Tigers has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.