Tucket's Gold
by Gary Paulsen
Yearling 2001
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- courage
- family bonds
- resourcefulness
- perseverance
- frontier life
- loyalty
- hope
About this book
In this fourth Tucket adventure, Francis and his adopted siblings, Lottie and Billy, are stranded on the prairie with outlaws closing in and few supplies to keep them going. Their fight to survive leads them to a surprising discovery that could change their fortunes—if they can hold onto it. Fast-paced action, Western grit, and tight family bonds drive the story. Great for middle-grade readers who love survival tales, frontier history, and quick, high-stakes chapters.
Setting: American Great Plains and the Oregon Trail, mid-1800s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tucket's Gold right for my child?
Yes — Tucket's Gold is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.5, 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 survival, courage, family bonds.
How long does it take to read Tucket's Gold?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Tucket's Gold takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 20,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tucket's Gold have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tucket's Gold 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 Tucket's Gold?
Tucket's Gold has an AR reading level of 5.5, 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.