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I lost my grandfather's brain book cover

I lost my grandfather's brain

by Bruce Coville

Hodder Children's Books 1999

Great fit for 4th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

4th grade English
146
Pages
4
AR Points
3.5h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Science Fiction

Themes

  • friendship
  • courage
  • family bonds
  • identity
  • cultural differences
  • loyalty
  • problem-solving
  • humor

About this book

Pleskit Meenom, the first alien kid to attend a human school, is having the worst week ever—his beloved grandfather’s brain has gone missing. With best friend Tim by his side, Pleskit dives into a zany mystery that mixes school stress with interstellar politics. Packed with humor, gadgets, and close calls, this fast-paced adventure celebrates friendship and courage. Great for middle-grade readers who enjoy sci-fi with laughs and heart.

Setting: contemporary U.S. middle school and an alien embassy/spacecraft

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is I lost my grandfather's brain right for my child?

Yes — I lost my grandfather's brain is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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, courage, family bonds.

How long does it take to read I lost my grandfather's brain?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, I lost my grandfather's brain takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 31,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does I lost my grandfather's brain have an AR quiz?

Yes — I lost my grandfather's brain 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 lost my grandfather's brain?

I lost my grandfather's brain has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.