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Shadrach book cover

Shadrach

by Meindert DeJong

Harper Collins 1980

Great fit for 5th grade

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

5th grade English Juvenile Fiction
196
Pages
6
AR Points
4.0h
Read time
AR Quiz Available
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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • responsibility
  • love and loss
  • family bonds
  • patience
  • hope
  • nature and animal care
  • perseverance

About this book

Davie can hardly believe his luck when a lively black rabbit named Shadrach becomes his very own. On his family’s farm, he learns what it means to care for a fragile creature and to balance hope with responsibility. When Shadrach slips away, Davie must rely on patience, love, and the quiet wisdom of his grandfather. Gentle, heartfelt writing and vivid countryside details make this a comforting, reflective read for animal lovers.

Setting: a small farming village in the Netherlands, mid-20th century

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shadrach right for my child?

Yes — Shadrach is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 responsibility, love and loss, family bonds.

How long does it take to read Shadrach?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Shadrach takes around 4.0h to finish. The book has 40,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Shadrach have an AR quiz?

Yes — Shadrach has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Shadrach?

Shadrach has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.