Muttketeer!
by Bill Crider
Gareth Stevens Pub. 1997
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- responsibility
- loyalty
- courage
- belonging
- community
- problem-solving
- humor
About this book
A fast-moving, funny middle-grade story about a kid who bonds with a scruffy stray and discovers that courage can come with four paws. As the new dog turns everyday life into high-energy adventures, the narrator learns responsibility and what it means to be a true friend. Light mystery and plenty of mishaps keep the pages turning, while the heart of the book is the boy-and-dog connection. Perfect for readers who like humor, loyal pets, and happy endings without heavy scares.
Setting: small-town Texas, contemporary (1990s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Muttketeer! right for my child?
Yes — Muttketeer! 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, responsibility, loyalty.
How long does it take to read Muttketeer!?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Muttketeer! takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 27,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Muttketeer! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Muttketeer! 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 Muttketeer!?
Muttketeer! 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.