Flush
by Carl Hiaasen
Knopf Books for Young Readers 2005
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- environmental activism
- family
- justice
- courage
- standing up to corruption
- community responsibility
- sibling teamwork
- perseverance
About this book
When Noah’s dad is arrested for trying to stop a casino boat from dumping sewage, Noah and his sister set out to uncover the truth and protect their Florida beach. This fast-paced eco-mystery blends humor, suspense, and quirky characters in classic Carl Hiaasen style. It’s perfect for middle graders who like adventures with real-world stakes and a big dose of wit. Kids enjoy the clever schemes, sunny coastal setting, and a satisfying quest for justice.
Setting: coastal Florida, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Flush right for my child?
Yes — Flush is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, 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 environmental activism, family, justice.
How long does it take to read Flush?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Flush takes around 6.4h to finish. The book has 63,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Flush have an AR quiz?
Yes — Flush has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Flush?
Flush has an AR reading level of 5, 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.