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The Tiger Rising book cover

The Tiger Rising

by Kate DiCamillo

2006

Great fit for 4th grade

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

4th grade English
3
AR Points
2.5h
Read time
AR Quiz Available
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National Book Award Finalist (Young People’s Literature)ALA Notable Children’s Book

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • grief
  • friendship
  • healing
  • courage
  • bullying
  • freedom
  • empathy
  • secrets

About this book

Rob Horton, a quiet boy living in a run-down Florida motel, discovers a caged tiger hidden in the woods. When he meets the outspoken new girl, Sistine Bailey, the two form an unlikely friendship as they each struggle with grief, loneliness, and bullying. Their secret brings big questions about courage and doing what’s right. With spare, lyrical writing, this short novel resonates with readers who like heartfelt, thought-provoking stories.

Setting: small-town Florida, a roadside motel and nearby woods

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Tiger Rising right for my child?

Yes — The Tiger Rising is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4, 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 grief, friendship, healing.

How long does it take to read The Tiger Rising?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Tiger Rising takes around 2.5h to finish. The book has 22,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does The Tiger Rising have an AR quiz?

Yes — The Tiger Rising has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Tiger Rising?

The Tiger Rising has an AR reading level of 4, 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.