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Mr. Chickee's Funny Money book cover

Mr. Chickee's Funny Money

by Christopher Paul Curtis

Yearling 2009

★★★★☆

Great fit for 4th grade

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

4th grade English Juvenile Fiction
162
Pages
3
AR Points
3.5h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Mystery

Themes

  • friendship
  • ingenuity and problem-solving
  • honesty and integrity
  • community
  • authority vs. independence
  • perseverance
  • humor
  • curiosity

About this book

Nine-year-old Steven, president of the Flint Future Detectives, is handed a bizarre bill by kindly Mr. Chickee—a note with fifteen zeros and a very famous face. When federal agents swoop in, Steven and his best friends have to use clever gadgets and quick thinking to uncover the truth. Packed with humor, community spirit, and kid-powered sleuthing, this mystery keeps readers turning pages. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy funny adventures with smart problem-solving.

Setting: contemporary Flint, Michigan

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mr. Chickee's Funny Money right for my child?

Yes — Mr. Chickee's Funny Money is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, 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, ingenuity and problem-solving, honesty and integrity.

How long does it take to read Mr. Chickee's Funny Money?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Mr. Chickee's Funny Money takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 31,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Mr. Chickee's Funny Money have an AR quiz?

Yes — Mr. Chickee's Funny Money 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 Mr. Chickee's Funny Money?

Mr. Chickee's Funny Money has an AR reading level of 4.7, 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.