The Pilot and the Little Prince
The Life of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
by Peter Sís
Macmillan 2014
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- exploration
- imagination and creativity
- perseverance
- courage
- history of flight
- following your passion
- innovation
- inspiration behind writing
About this book
This richly illustrated biography traces Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s journey from an imaginative French boy to a daring airmail pilot and beloved author. Peter Sís blends maps, timelines, and luminous art to show how flight, adventure, and creativity shaped Saint-Exupéry’s life and stories. Readers get a window into the early days of aviation and the inspirations behind The Little Prince without needing prior knowledge. Ideal for grades 3–6, it appeals to kids who love true adventures, history, and beautifully detailed artwork.
Setting: France and skies over Europe, Africa, and the Americas; early 1900s through World War II
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Pilot and the Little Prince right for my child?
Yes — The Pilot and the Little Prince is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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 exploration, imagination and creativity, perseverance.
How long does it take to read The Pilot and the Little Prince?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Pilot and the Little Prince takes around 16m to finish. The book has 2,700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Pilot and the Little Prince have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Pilot and the Little Prince has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Pilot and the Little Prince?
The Pilot and the Little Prince has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.