Narwhals and Other Whales
A nonfiction companion to Magic Tree House #33: Narwhal on a Sunny Night
by Mary Pope Osborne, Natalie Pope Boyce
Random House Books for Young Readers 2020
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- marine biology
- adaptation and survival
- animal behavior
- ecosystems and food webs
- Arctic exploration
- scientific inquiry
- conservation
- human impact on nature
About this book
This Magic Tree House Fact Tracker dives into the world of narwhals and their whale relatives, answering the biggest questions curious readers have about the Arctic’s famous “unicorn of the sea.” With photos, diagrams, and kid-friendly explanations, it explores tusks, migration, feeding, communication, and how whales survive in icy waters. The book also touches on conservation and how scientists study these amazing animals. It’s a great fit for Magic Tree House fans and budding marine biologists who love real-world facts and adventure-ready reading.
Setting: Arctic and subarctic oceans, with coverage of global whale habitats (present day)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Narwhals and Other Whales right for my child?
Yes — Narwhals and Other Whales is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.4, 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 marine biology, adaptation and survival, animal behavior.
How long does it take to read Narwhals and Other Whales?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Narwhals and Other Whales takes around 58m to finish. The book has 9,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Narwhals and Other Whales have an AR quiz?
Yes — Narwhals and Other Whales has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Narwhals and Other Whales?
Narwhals and Other Whales has an AR reading level of 5.4, 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.