Howliday Inn
by James Howe
Simon and Schuster 2012
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- loyalty
- mystery and investigation
- courage
- teamwork
- imagination vs. reality
- trust
- belonging
About this book
When the Monroe family heads on vacation without them, Harold the dog and Chester the cat are checked into Chateau Bow-Wow—quickly nicknamed Howliday Inn for its eerie nighttime sounds. With a cast of quirky kennel-mates and a mysterious howl in the dark, the duo must use their wits to figure out what’s really going on. This humorous, light mystery blends spooky vibes with laugh-out-loud pet banter. It’s a great pick for elementary and middle grade readers who enjoy animal stories, gentle scares, and clever sleuthing.
Setting: a suburban pet boarding kennel (Chateau Bow-Wow), contemporary
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Howliday Inn right for my child?
Yes — Howliday Inn is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, 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 friendship, loyalty, mystery and investigation.
How long does it take to read Howliday Inn?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Howliday Inn takes around 3.2h to finish. The book has 29,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Howliday Inn have an AR quiz?
Yes — Howliday Inn 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 Howliday Inn?
Howliday Inn has an AR reading level of 4.7, 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.