Chomp
by Carl Hiaasen
Yearling 2020
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include environmental stewardship
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Genre
Themes
- family
- friendship
- survival
- courage
- environmental stewardship
- truth vs. fame
- resilience
- humor and satire
About this book
Wahoo Cray’s dad wrangles wild animals for a living, and their latest job puts them in the middle of a swampy reality TV shoot gone off the rails. When the show’s over-the-top star insists on dangerous stunts with real gators and snakes, Wahoo has to keep everyone safe—and keep the truth about “reality” TV straight. Along the way, a classmate on the run and a stormy Everglades backdrop raise the stakes. Funny, fast-paced, and full of Florida wildlife, this adventure will hook readers who like humor with their thrills.
Setting: the Florida Everglades and Miami, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chomp right for my child?
Yes — Chomp is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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, survival.
How long does it take to read Chomp?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Chomp takes around 7.3h to finish. The book has 72,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Chomp have an AR quiz?
Yes — Chomp has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Chomp?
Chomp has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.