I smell like ham
by Hicks, Betty.
Roaring Brook Press 2002
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- identity
- self-acceptance
- family
- fitting in
- humor
- embarrassment
- growing up
About this book
A funny, down-to-earth middle grade novel about a sixth grader who’s convinced everyone can tell she smells like ham. Between family routines and everyday school drama, she’s navigating best-friend changes, first crush jitters, and the challenge of standing out without sticking out. With a warm, witty voice, the story captures those small embarrassments that feel huge—and the courage it takes to own who you are. Perfect for readers who enjoy realistic school stories with heart and humor.
Setting: contemporary small-town America; home, school, and family life
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is I smell like ham right for my child?
Yes — I smell like ham is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, 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, identity, self-acceptance.
How long does it take to read I smell like ham?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, I smell like ham takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 27,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does I smell like ham have an AR quiz?
Yes — I smell like ham 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 smell like ham?
I smell like ham has an AR reading level of 4.3, 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.