Fat men from space
Tandem Library 1977
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.9 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at 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
- humor
- aliens and outer space
- consumer culture
- ingenuity
- community response
- curiosity
- technology gone awry
About this book
A boy leaves the dentist with a strange filling that starts picking up radio messages—from fat men from outer space! Soon, Earth is visited by hungry aliens determined to collect every last piece of junk food. Packed with Pinkwater’s trademark silliness and fast-paced chapters, this short sci-fi romp hooks newly confident readers. It’s a great pick for kids who like absurd humor, aliens, and quick reads that spark big laughs.
Setting: a contemporary American town and outer space
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fat men from space right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Fat men from space. The reading level is AR 3.9, 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 humor, aliens and outer space, consumer culture.
How long does it take to read Fat men from space?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Fat men from space takes around 59m to finish. The book has 8,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Fat men from space have an AR quiz?
Yes — Fat men from space 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 Fat men from space?
Fat men from space has an AR reading level of 3.9, 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.