Great Invention Fails
by Barbara Krasner
Millbrook Press 2020
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- invention and innovation
- learning from failure
- trial and error
- problem-solving
- creativity
- engineering
- scientific method
- perseverance
- cause and effect
- history of technology
About this book
Not every bright idea changes the world on the first try. From flying cars and Smell-O-Vision to lucky mistakes that led to Bubble Wrap and sticky notes, this fast-paced look at invention missteps shows how failures, flops, and quirky experiments can spark creative breakthroughs.
Setting: Various times and places in the history of technology (primarily 20th–21st century, global/United States).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Great Invention Fails right for my child?
Yes — Great Invention Fails 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 invention and innovation, learning from failure, trial and error.
How long does it take to read Great Invention Fails?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Great Invention Fails takes around 15m to finish. The book has 2,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Great Invention Fails have an AR quiz?
Yes — Great Invention Fails has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Great Invention Fails?
Great Invention Fails 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.