Horse Escape Artist!
And More True Stories of Animals Behaving Badly
by Ashlee Blewett
National Geographic Children's Books 2014
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- animal mischief
- problem-solving
- curiosity
- responsibility
- human–animal bond
- consequences
- resilience
- humor
About this book
This National Geographic Kids Chapters book shares three hilarious, true tales of animals who just won’t follow the rules—like Mariska, a clever horse who keeps letting herself out, a cow named Milkshake who causes a commotion, and a runaway goat called Pony. Packed with photos, facts, and short chapters, it’s perfect for animal lovers who enjoy real-life mischief and mayhem. The storytelling is fast and funny, while sneak-in science and sidebars teach kids about animal behavior. Great for independent readers who like true stories with lots of personality.
Setting: real-world farms and communities across the United States
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Horse Escape Artist! right for my child?
Yes — Horse Escape Artist! is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 mischief, problem-solving, curiosity.
How long does it take to read Horse Escape Artist!?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Horse Escape Artist! takes around 52m to finish. The book has 8,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Horse Escape Artist! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Horse Escape Artist! 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 Horse Escape Artist!?
Horse Escape Artist! has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.