Stay Keeper's Story
by Lois Lowry
Yearling 1999
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- loyalty
- family bonds
- friendship
- perseverance
- identity and belonging
- hope
- survival
- home
About this book
Told from a dog’s point of view, this story follows a clever stray who learns to survive on the streets, discovers poetry, and finds kindness in unexpected humans. Nicknamed Keeper, he dreams of reuniting with the little sister he lost as a pup. Tempted by chances for fame and comfort, he never forgets what truly matters—family and belonging. Gentle humor, heart, and a touch of danger make this an engaging read for animal lovers and middle-grade readers.
Setting: contemporary towns and city streets
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stay Keeper's Story right for my child?
Yes — Stay Keeper's Story 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 loyalty, family bonds, friendship.
How long does it take to read Stay Keeper's Story?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Stay Keeper's Story takes around 2.9h to finish. The book has 29,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Stay Keeper's Story have an AR quiz?
Yes — Stay Keeper's Story 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 Stay Keeper's Story?
Stay Keeper's Story 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.