Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat
by Lynne Jonell
Thorndike Press 2008
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- identity and self-worth
- courage
- standing up to bullies
- family and belonging
- independence
- loyalty
- magic and transformation
About this book
Emmy Addison feels invisible to her busy parents and controlled by her perfectly polite but very suspicious nanny—until a cranky talking rat introduces her to a world of strange rodent powers and unexpected magic. When an accident leaves Emmy suddenly much, much smaller, she must rely on new friends (human and otherwise) to untangle a devious plot. Fast-paced and funny, this adventure blends school life, secret passages, and clever escapes. Great for middle-graders who like quirky characters, animal helpers, and a dash of mystery.
Setting: contemporary city and private school; family townhouse, pet shop, and hidden passages
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat right for my child?
Yes — Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat 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 friendship, identity and self-worth, courage.
How long does it take to read Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat takes around 7.2h to finish. The book has 71,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat have an AR quiz?
Yes — Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat?
Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat 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.