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Promise book cover

Promise

by Jackie French Koller

Perfection Learning Prebound 2001

Great fit for 4th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

4th grade English
76
Pages
1
AR Points
1.3h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • responsibility
  • family
  • grief and healing
  • compassion for animals
  • perseverance
  • hope
  • promises and loyalty

About this book

On her family’s small farm, a determined girl clings to a promise she made and pours her heart into caring for a vulnerable young animal. As chores, worries, and setbacks pile up, she learns what responsibility and hope really look like. This short, heartfelt story speaks to animal lovers and readers who enjoy realistic, emotionally true tales. Kids are drawn to its gentle pace, relatable family dynamics, and the satisfaction of keeping a promise against the odds.

Setting: a contemporary rural New England farm

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Promise right for my child?

Yes — Promise is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4, 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 responsibility, family, grief and healing.

How long does it take to read Promise?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Promise takes around 1.3h to finish. The book has 12,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Promise have an AR quiz?

Yes — Promise has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Promise?

Promise has an AR reading level of 4, 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.