Mr. Tucket
by Gary Paulsen
Yearling 1994
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- self-reliance
- courage
- mentorship
- frontier life
- perseverance
- coming of age
- cultural encounters
About this book
On the Oregon Trail, young Francis Tucket is suddenly separated from his family and thrust into the dangers of the 1840s American West. Armed with a birthday rifle and gritty determination, he must learn to survive among shifting weather, scarce food, and unpredictable encounters. With guidance from a seasoned mountain man, Francis discovers courage, resourcefulness, and what it takes to make his own way. Fast-paced and full of frontier detail, this adventure hooks middle-grade readers who enjoy survival stories and Western history.
Setting: American West along the Oregon Trail, 1840s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mr. Tucket right for my child?
Yes — Mr. Tucket is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, 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 survival, self-reliance, courage.
How long does it take to read Mr. Tucket?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Mr. Tucket takes around 3.8h to finish. The book has 38,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mr. Tucket have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mr. Tucket 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 Mr. Tucket?
Mr. Tucket has an AR reading level of 5, 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.