The Tale of Despereaux

About this book

A small mouse named Despereaux falls in love with a human princess and must rescue her from the dungeons. Newbery Medal winner 2004, the novel's short chapters and direct narrator address make it a frequent 3rd-5th grade read-aloud and assigned text.

Why widely assigned

This Middle Grade Fantasy title, reads at middle-grade prose complexity, typically at grades 3–6. Written in the 2000s; pairs with curriculum units on courage and forgiveness; cited across 1 curriculum framework.

Where this book is assigned

• Common Core State Standards (ELA)

  • recommended·3rd gradesource: CCSS ELA grades 2-3 Newbery Medal exemplar
  • required·4th gradesource: CCSS ELA Appendix B, grades 4-5 Newbery Medal
  • recommended·5th gradesource: CCSS ELA grades 4-5 Newbery Medal exemplar

Similar grade-level books

• 
  The Giver
  Lois Lowry · 760L
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  The Hunger Games
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• 
  Charlotte's Web
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• 
  Matilda
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See all books like The Tale of Despereaux→ — matched on theme + reading level.

Common questions

What grade level is The Tale of Despereaux?

The Tale of Despereaux is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 3–6, 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.

How long does it take to read The Tale of Despereaux?

It takes about 4h 55m to read The Tale of Despereaux (270 pages) at an average adult reading pace of about 250 words per minute — roughly 295 minutes. Faster or slower readers will vary; the estimate is a planning guide for assigning the book.

Is The Tale of Despereaux hard to read for 3rd grade?

At 670L, The Tale of Despereaux falls within the typical 420–820L text-complexity range for 3rd grade (Common Core Appendix A) — a grade-appropriate reading challenge. Lexile measures text complexity, not thematic maturity — check the content notes for age-appropriateness separately.

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.