I Hate Your Guts, Ben Brooster
by Eth Clifford
Scholastic 1990
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- rivalry
- jealousy
- friendship
- responsibility
- problem-solving
- empathy
- consequences of choices
About this book
When Charlie’s brainy cousin Ben comes to stay, Charlie quickly learns that Ben’s genius also means one thing—spectacular trouble. From wild ideas to risky experiments, the boys’ rivalry leads to laugh-out-loud mishaps and unexpected consequences. As the cousins clash and compete, they also discover what it really means to be family. A funny, fast-paced story perfect for readers who enjoy realistic school-and-home adventures with lots of heart.
Setting: contemporary suburban neighborhood and home
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is I Hate Your Guts, Ben Brooster right for my child?
Yes — I Hate Your Guts, Ben Brooster 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, rivalry, jealousy.
How long does it take to read I Hate Your Guts, Ben Brooster?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, I Hate Your Guts, Ben Brooster takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 27,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does I Hate Your Guts, Ben Brooster have an AR quiz?
Yes — I Hate Your Guts, Ben Brooster has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 I Hate Your Guts, Ben Brooster?
I Hate Your Guts, Ben Brooster 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.