Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Disgusting Sneakers
Yearling 1991
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- problem-solving
- critical thinking
- fairness and justice
- friendship
- honesty
- community
- resourcefulness
- perseverance
About this book
Ten short, clever mysteries challenge readers to match wits with Encyclopedia Brown as he tackles quirky cases around Idaville—from a stolen teacup to a messy, must-win ‘disgusting sneakers’ contest. Each story invites kids to spot the clues and solve the case before checking the solutions in the back. The bite-size chapters, humor, and fair-play puzzles make this a great pick for developing sleuths and reluctant readers alike. Perfect for grades 3–5 who enjoy logic, laughs, and quick reads.
Setting: Idaville, a contemporary small-town community
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Disgusting Sneakers right for my child?
Yes — Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Disgusting Sneakers is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, 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 problem-solving, critical thinking, fairness and justice.
How long does it take to read Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Disgusting Sneakers?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Disgusting Sneakers takes around 1.6h to finish. The book has 14,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Disgusting Sneakers have an AR quiz?
Yes — Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Disgusting Sneakers has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Disgusting Sneakers?
Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Disgusting Sneakers has an AR reading level of 4.3, 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.