Scotty and the Gypsy Bandit
by David Winkler
Farrar Straus Giroux 2000
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- prejudice and stereotypes
- truth and justice
- friendship and loyalty
- courage
- community
- empathy
- identity
- mystery and problem-solving
About this book
When a string of thefts rattles Scotty’s small town, suspicion quickly settles on a mysterious traveler, and rumors start to fly. Scotty isn’t sure what to believe, so he follows the clues himself and discovers that the truth is more complicated than gossip. Part mystery and part character story, this novel invites readers to question assumptions and look closer at people others are quick to judge. It’s a thoughtful, page-turning read for middle graders who enjoy solving puzzles and rooting for a fair outcome.
Setting: contemporary small-town America
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scotty and the Gypsy Bandit right for my child?
Yes — Scotty and the Gypsy Bandit is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 prejudice and stereotypes, truth and justice, friendship and loyalty.
How long does it take to read Scotty and the Gypsy Bandit?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Scotty and the Gypsy Bandit takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Scotty and the Gypsy Bandit have an AR quiz?
Yes — Scotty and the Gypsy Bandit 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 Scotty and the Gypsy Bandit?
Scotty and the Gypsy Bandit has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.