Saving Lilly
by Peg Kehret
Simon and Schuster 2001
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- animal welfare
- activism
- courage
- teamwork
- empathy
- standing up for what’s right
- community action
- responsibility
About this book
When a sixth-grade class learns a circus elephant is being mistreated, they band together to try to save her. Their plan to help Lilly turns into a crash course in courage, teamwork, and speaking up for what’s right. With fast-paced chapters and real-world stakes, this story empowers readers to see how kids can make a difference. Fans of realistic adventures and animal-rescue tales will be hooked.
Setting: Contemporary small-town U.S.; school, traveling circus, and animal sanctuary
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saving Lilly right for my child?
Yes — Saving Lilly is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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 animal welfare, activism, courage.
How long does it take to read Saving Lilly?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Saving Lilly takes around 3.3h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Saving Lilly have an AR quiz?
Yes — Saving Lilly has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Saving Lilly?
Saving Lilly has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.