Hate That Cat
BLOOMSBURY PUBLISHING PLC 2008
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- self-expression
- poetry and language
- empathy
- overcoming fear
- teacher influence
- pets and relationships
- communication and hearing
About this book
In this companion to Love That Dog, Jack returns to Miss Stretchberry’s class and keeps a new journal of poems. He insists he hates a certain cat, but writing helps him sort out big feelings about pets, sound, and what words can do. With humor and heart, Jack explores famous poems and plays with rhythm and onomatopoeia while finding his own voice. Short, inviting verse makes this a quick, confidence-boosting read for poetry-shy or reluctant readers.
Setting: a contemporary American classroom and neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hate That Cat right for my child?
Yes — Hate That Cat is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.2, 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 self-expression, poetry and language, empathy.
How long does it take to read Hate That Cat?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Hate That Cat takes around 55m to finish. The book has 8,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hate That Cat have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hate That Cat 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 Hate That Cat?
Hate That Cat has an AR reading level of 4.2, 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.