I, Houdini
Delacorte Press 2010
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- independence
- freedom vs. safety
- curiosity
- family and pet-owner relationships
- resourcefulness
- adventure
- responsibility
- courage
About this book
Told by a clever, opinionated hamster who calls himself Houdini, this lively adventure follows a pint‑sized escape artist determined to see the world beyond his cage. As he outsmarts well‑meaning humans and explores a British household and neighborhood, Houdini discovers both danger and delight on the loose. The humorous voice and brisk escapades make it a hit with animal lovers and fans of mischievous narrators. Great for independent readers who enjoy fast-paced stories with heart and humor.
Setting: a British household and neighborhood, contemporary
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is I, Houdini right for my child?
Yes — I, Houdini is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 independence, freedom vs. safety, curiosity.
How long does it take to read I, Houdini?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, I, Houdini takes around 2.6h to finish. The book has 26,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does I, Houdini have an AR quiz?
Yes — I, Houdini 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 I, Houdini?
I, Houdini has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.