Dolphins and Sharks
A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House #9: Dolphins at Daybreak
by Mary Pope Osborne, Natalie Pope Boyce
Random House Books for Young Readers 2003
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- animal behavior
- adaptation
- predator and prey
- communication
- marine ecosystems
- scientific inquiry
- conservation
- curiosity and learning
About this book
This Magic Tree House Fact Tracker dives into the real science behind dolphins and sharks. Guided by Jack and Annie, readers learn how dolphins communicate, how different sharks hunt, and how these amazing animals are built to survive in the ocean. Packed with photos, diagrams, and kid-friendly explanations, it’s a great pick for curious readers who love animals and the sea. Perfect for elementary students who want more facts after the Dolphins at Daybreak adventure.
Setting: the world’s oceans and coastal waters
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dolphins and Sharks right for my child?
Yes — Dolphins and Sharks is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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 animal behavior, adaptation, predator and prey.
How long does it take to read Dolphins and Sharks?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Dolphins and Sharks takes around 1.0h to finish. The book has 10,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dolphins and Sharks have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dolphins and Sharks has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Dolphins and Sharks?
Dolphins and Sharks has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.