The King of Mulberry Street
Yearling 2008
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- immigration
- survival
- resilience
- entrepreneurship
- friendship
- identity
- poverty and class
- found family
About this book
In 1892, nine-year-old Dom is sent from Italy to New York City with nothing but a new pair of shoes and his mother’s faith in him. Alone in the rough Five Points neighborhood, he must learn fast—finding food, friends, and a way to make a living. Drawing on the author’s family history, this historical adventure shows how grit and kindness can turn survival into success. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy immigrant stories, street-smart problem-solving, and inspiring underdog heroes.
Setting: New York City’s Five Points, 1892
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The King of Mulberry Street right for my child?
Yes — The King of Mulberry Street 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 immigration, survival, resilience.
How long does it take to read The King of Mulberry Street?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The King of Mulberry Street takes around 7.0h to finish. The book has 63,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The King of Mulberry Street have an AR quiz?
Yes — The King of Mulberry Street has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 King of Mulberry Street?
The King of Mulberry Street 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.