Tucker
by Tom Birdseye
Holiday House 1990
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- honesty
- self-acceptance
- family
- responsibility
- perseverance
About this book
Tucker is an everyday kid trying to find his place at school and at home, but a small mistake snowballs into a bigger problem that he has to face head-on. With humor and heart, the story follows him as he navigates friendships, family expectations, and doing the right thing when it isn’t easy. Readers who enjoy realistic, school-and-home adventures will connect with Tucker’s voice and the relatable choices he faces. It’s a quick, engaging read for middle graders who like character-driven stories with a light touch.
Setting: contemporary small-town United States, school and home
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tucker right for my child?
Yes — Tucker is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, 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 friendship, honesty, self-acceptance.
How long does it take to read Tucker?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Tucker takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 18,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tucker have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tucker has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Tucker?
Tucker has an AR reading level of 4.3, 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.