Rescue Josh McGuire
Hyperion Paperbacks for Children 1991
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- animal welfare
- courage
- freedom vs. authority
- family conflict
- responsibility
- wilderness
- human–animal bond
About this book
When twelve-year-old Josh finds an orphaned bear cub marked to be put down, he bolts into the Montana backcountry to save it. With authorities and reporters closing in, Josh must rely on his wits, wilderness skills, and a growing bond with the cub to survive. This fast-paced survival adventure blends outdoor action with a heartfelt animal story. Perfect for middle-grade readers who love nature, high-stakes choices, and strong human–animal connections.
Setting: Montana wilderness, contemporary (early 1990s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rescue Josh McGuire right for my child?
Yes — Rescue Josh McGuire is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 survival, animal welfare, courage.
How long does it take to read Rescue Josh McGuire?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Rescue Josh McGuire takes around 7.9h to finish. The book has 78,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Rescue Josh McGuire have an AR quiz?
Yes — Rescue Josh McGuire has an AR quiz available, worth 11 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 Rescue Josh McGuire?
Rescue Josh McGuire has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.