Polo's mother
Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2005
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- identity
- belonging
- loyalty
- friendship
- courage
- home vs. freedom
- survival
About this book
When housecat Polo learns that his mother may still be alive, he sets out beyond the safety of home to find her, with loyal friend Marco by his side. Their journey leads them through backyards, alleys, and wild places where they must rely on wits, courage, and each other. This companion to Naylor’s cat adventures blends realistic animal behavior with heart and humor. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy animal stories about family, loyalty, and finding where you belong.
Setting: present-day suburban neighborhood and surrounding countryside
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polo's mother right for my child?
Yes — Polo's mother is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 family, identity, belonging.
How long does it take to read Polo's mother?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Polo's mother takes around 3.6h to finish. The book has 36,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Polo's mother have an AR quiz?
Yes — Polo's mother 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 Polo's mother?
Polo's mother has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.