How to Train Your Dad
by Gary Paulsen
Pan Macmillan 2021
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family relationships
- individuality vs. conformity
- friendship
- resourcefulness
- humor and mischief
- identity and self-acceptance
- sustainability
About this book
Twelve-year-old Carl is desperate to make his brilliant but extremely thrifty, dumpster-diving dad a little more normal before his classmates notice. Armed with a puppy-training pamphlet and help from his best friend, he tries to ‘retrain’ Dad over one unpredictable summer. This fast, funny story blends heart and humor with light eco-themes and family love. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy quirky characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and plans that don’t always go as expected.
Setting: a small Midwestern town in the present day, over summer vacation
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is How to Train Your Dad right for my child?
Yes — How to Train Your Dad 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 family relationships, individuality vs. conformity, friendship.
How long does it take to read How to Train Your Dad?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, How to Train Your Dad takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 28,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does How to Train Your Dad have an AR quiz?
Yes — How to Train Your Dad has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 How to Train Your Dad?
How to Train Your Dad 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.