The Tale of Despereaux
by Kate DiCamillo
- Lexile
- 670L
- Grade range
- Grades 3–5
- Age range
- Ages 8–11
- Pages
- 272
- First published
- 2003
- Genre
- Middle Grade Fiction
- ISBN-13
- 9780763625290
About this book
A tiny mouse named Despereaux Tilling falls in love with a human princess and embarks on a quest across a medieval castle. DiCamillo's Newbery Medal novel appears on 3rd-5th grade reading lists across the US.
Themes
- courage
- forgiveness
- light vs darkness
- love
Content notes
- dungeon imagery
- cruelty toward mice
Common Sense Media recommends age 8+.
Where this book is assigned
Common Core State Standards (ELA)
- required· 4th gradesource: CCSS ELA Appendix B, grades 4-5 Newbery Medal
Similar grade-level books
Common questions
- What grade level is The Tale of Despereaux?
- The Tale of Despereaux is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 3–5, with a Lexile measure of 670L. 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 The Tale of Despereaux?
- The Tale of Despereaux has a Lexile measure of 670L according to MetaMetrics. Lexile measures text complexity, not content maturity — check the grade range and content notes separately for age-appropriateness.
- What curricula assign The Tale of Despereaux?
- The Tale of Despereaux appears on reading lists for Common Core State Standards (ELA). Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.
- Is The Tale of Despereaux banned in schools?
- The Tale of Despereaux 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 The Tale of Despereaux explore?
- Central themes in The Tale of Despereaux include courage, forgiveness, light vs darkness, love. These themes match how the book is discussed in most curriculum guides and AP Literature prompts.