Akiko on the planet Smoo
by Mark Crilley
Delacorte Press 2000
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- teamwork
- courage
- resourcefulness
- self-confidence
- responsibility
- adventure
- problem-solving
About this book
Akiko, a regular fourth grader, is whisked off to the faraway Planet Smoo to help rescue a missing prince. With a quirky crew—Mr. Beeba, Spuckler, Gax the robot, and the floating Poog—she braves wild landscapes and oddball aliens. Fast-paced chapters, humor, and plenty of heart make this an inviting sci‑fi adventure for middle-grade readers. Kids enjoy Akiko’s bravery, the imaginative worldbuilding, and the teamwork that keeps the mission moving.
Setting: from contemporary Earth to the whimsical alien world of Planet Smoo, across deserts, jungles, and futuristic outposts
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Akiko on the planet Smoo right for my child?
Yes — Akiko on the planet Smoo is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th 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, teamwork, courage.
How long does it take to read Akiko on the planet Smoo?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Akiko on the planet Smoo takes around 3.8h to finish. The book has 34,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Akiko on the planet Smoo have an AR quiz?
Yes — Akiko on the planet Smoo 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 Akiko on the planet Smoo?
Akiko on the planet Smoo has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th 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.