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Hippopotamuses book cover

Hippopotamuses

by Melissa Stewart

Children's Press (CT) 2002

★★★★★

Great fit for 5th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

5th grade English
48
Pages
0.5
AR Points
12m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Nonfiction

Themes

  • animal behavior
  • habitats and ecosystems
  • adaptation and survival
  • life cycles
  • conservation
  • predator–prey relationships
  • nonfiction research skills

About this book

This photo-filled introduction explores where hippos live, how they spend their days in and out of the water, and the special adaptations that help them survive. Clear text and captions explain diet, family life, and the difference between common and pygmy hippos. With maps, facts, and a glossary, it’s a solid pick for animal-loving readers building research skills. Great for reports and for kids who enjoy learning surprising facts about powerful wild animals.

Setting: rivers and wetlands of sub-Saharan Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hippopotamuses right for my child?

Yes — Hippopotamuses is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.4, 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 animal behavior, habitats and ecosystems, adaptation and survival.

How long does it take to read Hippopotamuses?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Hippopotamuses takes around 12m to finish. The book has 2,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Hippopotamuses have an AR quiz?

Yes — Hippopotamuses 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 Hippopotamuses?

Hippopotamuses has an AR reading level of 5.4, 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.