Project Mulberry
Yearling Books 2007
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- cultural identity
- tolerance and prejudice
- perseverance
- family relationships
- teamwork
- science and nature
- self-discovery
About this book
Julia Song, a Korean American seventh grader, teams up with her best friend Patrick to find the perfect idea for their after-school project—and lands on raising silkworms. As they learn the science behind silk, Julia also wrestles with questions about heritage, identity, and what it means to stand up for yourself. Warm humor, realistic friendship dynamics, and hands-on problem solving keep readers turning pages. It’s a great pick for kids who like science projects, relatable school stories, and thoughtful conversations about culture and belonging.
Setting: suburban Illinois, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Project Mulberry right for my child?
Yes — Project Mulberry is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, which is typical for 4th 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, cultural identity, tolerance and prejudice.
How long does it take to read Project Mulberry?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Project Mulberry takes around 5.9h to finish. The book has 53,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Project Mulberry have an AR quiz?
Yes — Project Mulberry 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 Project Mulberry?
Project Mulberry has an AR reading level of 4.3, which places it at a 4th 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.