Middle School Mayhem
Simon & Schuster Children's 2017
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- resourcefulness
- teamwork
- underdog hero
- perseverance
- school life
- humor
About this book
Max Crumbly’s night at South Ridge Middle School goes from messy to mayhem when he and his tech-savvy friend Erin try to outsmart a trio of burglars. Told in a doodle-filled diary format, the story blends humor, suspense, and goofy mishaps as Max aims to be a hero in real life—not just in his comic-book daydreams. Fast-paced chapters, cliff-hangers, and cartoon art make it especially appealing to reluctant readers. Perfect for fans of Dork Diaries and Diary of a Wimpy Kid who enjoy laugh-out-loud school adventures.
Setting: South Ridge Middle School, present day (mostly after hours inside the school)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Middle School Mayhem right for my child?
Yes — Middle School Mayhem 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 friendship, courage, resourcefulness.
How long does it take to read Middle School Mayhem?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Middle School Mayhem takes around 2.2h to finish. The book has 22,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Middle School Mayhem have an AR quiz?
Yes — Middle School Mayhem 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 Middle School Mayhem?
Middle School Mayhem 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.