When pigs fly
Turtleback 1995
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- friendship
- resilience
- hope
- self-acceptance
- grief and healing
- community
- courage
About this book
Set in a small Missouri town, this heartfelt novel follows a young teen navigating family upheaval and the messy, funny, sometimes painful steps of growing up. With a voice full of humor and hope, the narrator learns to lean on new friends, face hard truths, and believe that impossible things might not be so impossible after all. Readers who enjoy realistic stories with strong emotion and everyday courage will connect with the characters and setting. A good fit for middle-grade readers ready for deeper themes told with warmth.
Setting: small-town Missouri, contemporary (1990s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is When pigs fly right for my child?
Yes — When pigs fly 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 family, friendship, resilience.
How long does it take to read When pigs fly?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, When pigs fly takes around 6.9h to finish. The book has 68,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does When pigs fly have an AR quiz?
Yes — When pigs fly has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 When pigs fly?
When pigs fly 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.