Preacher's Boy
Turtleback Books 2001
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- faith and doubt
- family and responsibility
- mischief and consequences
- morality and conscience
- coming of age
- community and compassion
- change and progress
- forgiveness
About this book
At the turn of the century in a small Vermont town, ten-year-old Robbie Hewitt, the son of a preacher, tests boundaries and questions everything—especially faith—when rumors swirl that the world might end with the new century. His pranks and bold declarations get him into trouble, but they also push him to think about right and wrong, kindness, and who he wants to be. Katherine Paterson blends humor with heart as Robbie learns that growing up means taking responsibility for your choices. This is a thoughtful, lively historical story perfect for readers who like mischievous protagonists and big questions.
Setting: a small town in Vermont, 1899 (turn of the 20th century)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Preacher's Boy right for my child?
Yes — Preacher's Boy is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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 faith and doubt, family and responsibility, mischief and consequences.
How long does it take to read Preacher's Boy?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Preacher's Boy takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Preacher's Boy have an AR quiz?
Yes — Preacher's Boy has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Preacher's Boy?
Preacher's Boy has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.