The Emperor's Ostrich
by Julie Berry
Macmillan + ORM 2017
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- resourcefulness
- friendship
- kindness
- identity and leadership
- quest and adventure
- mystery
- responsibility
About this book
Young dairymaid Begonia sets off to find her missing cow, guided only by a mischievous magical map. Her quest leads her through a whimsical empire filled with curious travelers—plus one very tall ostrich—while rumors swirl that the emperor himself has vanished. With humor, heart, and a touch of fairy-tale magic, Begonia must rely on her wits and kindness to set things right. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy adventurous quests and clever heroines.
Setting: a whimsical fairy-tale empire of farms, forests, villages, and a royal palace
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Emperor's Ostrich right for my child?
Yes — The Emperor's Ostrich 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 courage, resourcefulness, friendship.
How long does it take to read The Emperor's Ostrich?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Emperor's Ostrich takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 54,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Emperor's Ostrich have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Emperor's Ostrich has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 The Emperor's Ostrich?
The Emperor's Ostrich 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.