Cockroach cooties
by Laurence Yep
Hyperion 2000
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.7 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- bullying
- brotherhood
- courage
- empathy
- problem-solving
- humor
- cultural identity
- standing up for yourself
About this book
Brothers Teddy and Bobby discover the school bully has one unexpected weakness: he’s terrified of cockroaches. With a little creativity—and a fearless roach they nickname Hercules—they try to outsmart their tormentor. As their plans unfold, the brothers learn there’s more to bullying than meets the eye and that courage can look different for everyone. A funny, fast-paced read set in Chinatown, it appeals to kids who like humor, school stories, and clever problem-solving.
Setting: contemporary San Francisco Chinatown; home, neighborhood, and elementary school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cockroach cooties right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Cockroach cooties. The reading level is AR 3.7, which is typical for 3rd 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 bullying, brotherhood, courage.
How long does it take to read Cockroach cooties?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Cockroach cooties takes around 2.8h to finish. The book has 23,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Cockroach cooties have an AR quiz?
Yes — Cockroach cooties has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Cockroach cooties?
Cockroach cooties has an AR reading level of 3.7, which places it at a 3rd 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.