My Father's Dragon
by Ruth Stiles Gannett
- Lexile
- 990L
- Grade range
- Grades 2–4
- Age range
- Ages 7–10
- Pages
- 96
- First published
- 1948
- Genre
- Early Chapter Book
- ISBN-13
- 9780440420538
About this book
Elmer Elevator sets out to rescue a captive baby dragon on Wild Island, armed with chewing gum, rubber bands, and assorted supplies. Gannett's Newbery Honor early-chapter novel is a staple 2nd-3rd grade read-aloud and independent-reading title.
Themes
- adventure
- kindness to animals
- courage
- cleverness
Where this book is assigned
Common Core State Standards (ELA)
- recommended· 2nd gradesource: CCSS ELA Appendix B, grades 2-3 Newbery Honor
- recommended· 3rd gradesource: CCSS ELA Appendix B, grades 2-3 Newbery Honor
Similar grade-level books
Common questions
- What grade level is My Father's Dragon?
- My Father's Dragon is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 2–4, with a Lexile measure of 990L. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.
- What is the Lexile level of My Father's Dragon?
- My Father's Dragon has a Lexile measure of 990L according to MetaMetrics. Lexile measures text complexity, not content maturity — check the grade range and content notes separately for age-appropriateness.
- What curricula assign My Father's Dragon?
- My Father's Dragon appears on reading lists for Common Core State Standards (ELA). Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.
- Is My Father's Dragon banned in schools?
- My Father's Dragon does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.
- What themes does My Father's Dragon explore?
- Central themes in My Father's Dragon include adventure, kindness to animals, courage, cleverness. These themes match how the book is discussed in most curriculum guides and AP Literature prompts.