Whittington
by Alan W. Armstrong
Yearling 2009
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- perseverance
- family and community
- storytelling
- resilience
- kindness
- overcoming learning challenges
- hope
About this book
A battered stray cat named Whittington finds a home in a friendly barnyard and begins telling the animals the old tale of Dick Whittington and his remarkable cat. As the barn community rallies around a boy who is struggling to learn to read, the stories weave hope, humor, and courage into everyday farm life. Rich with voice and heart, this novel blends animal adventure with a classic legend. It’s a warm read for middle-graders who enjoy stories about friendship, perseverance, and the power of stories.
Setting: a contemporary New England farm and barn; interludes in medieval London through a framed tale
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whittington right for my child?
Yes — Whittington is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 friendship, perseverance, family and community.
How long does it take to read Whittington?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Whittington takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 35,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Whittington have an AR quiz?
Yes — Whittington has an AR quiz available, worth 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 Whittington?
Whittington has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.