Owls in the Family
by Farley Mowat, Robert Frankenberg
Perfection Learning Prebound 1985
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
- friendship
- responsibility
- compassion
- nature and wildlife
- family
- community
- humor
About this book
This classic, often-hilarious tale follows a boy on the Canadian prairies who adopts two great horned owls and discovers that life with wild pets is never boring. Short, lively chapters capture pranks, close calls, and the bond that grows between kids and animals. It’s a warm, accessible read for grades 3–6, perfect for animal lovers and fans of true-to-life adventures. Parents appreciate the gentle humor and the way the book highlights responsibility, empathy, and respect for wildlife.
Setting: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; mid-20th century prairie town
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Owls in the Family right for my child?
Yes — Owls in the Family 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 friendship, responsibility, compassion.
How long does it take to read Owls in the Family?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Owls in the Family takes around 2.2h to finish. The book has 22,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Owls in the Family have an AR quiz?
Yes — Owls in the Family has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Owls in the Family?
Owls in the Family 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.