Home, stinky home
by Melissa Lagonegro
Random House 2004
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- being yourself
- home and belonging
- friendship
- acceptance
- humor
- family
About this book
This Step into Reading title follows Shrek and Fiona as they discover what makes a home feel just right—especially when you’re an ogre who loves mud, bugs, and all things stinky. Simple sentences, big art, and lots of humor make it perfect for new readers who enjoy the Shrek movies. Kids will giggle at the silly details while recognizing the sweet message about being yourself. Great for kindergarten through early elementary readers building confidence.
Setting: Shrek’s swamp and the kingdom of Far Far Away
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Home, stinky home right for my child?
Yes — Home, stinky home is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.7, which is typical for 1st grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include being yourself, home and belonging, friendship.
How long does it take to read Home, stinky home?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Home, stinky home takes around 6m to finish. The book has 450 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Home, stinky home have an AR quiz?
Yes — Home, stinky home 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 Home, stinky home?
Home, stinky home has an AR reading level of 1.7, which places it at a 1st grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.