Phoebe's folly
HarperTrophy 1996
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- resourcefulness
- family responsibility
- honesty and integrity
- consequences of choices
- independence and gender roles
- community
- perseverance
- humor
About this book
Set in late-19th-century America, Phoebe’s Folly follows a quick-witted, big-hearted girl whose grand plan to help her family turns into a tangle of unexpected complications. With humor and grit, Phoebe learns that initiative can come with consequences—and that honesty and perseverance can set things right. Kathleen Karr’s lively, historically flavored storytelling makes this a fun, fast read for middle-grade readers who enjoy plucky heroines and good-natured scrapes.
Setting: a small Midwestern town in the late 1800s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoebe's folly right for my child?
Yes — Phoebe's folly is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 resourcefulness, family responsibility, honesty and integrity.
How long does it take to read Phoebe's folly?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Phoebe's folly takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Phoebe's folly have an AR quiz?
Yes — Phoebe's folly has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Phoebe's folly?
Phoebe's folly has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.