No Talking
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing 2007
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- communication
- self-control
- respect
- gender rivalry
- leadership
- teamwork
- empathy
- school community
About this book
No Talking is a fast, funny school story about a fifth-grade "no talking" contest that pits the boys against the girls. As the challenge spreads through the halls, kids find creative ways to communicate while adults reconsider the power of quiet. Andrew Clements blends humor with big ideas about listening, respect, and self-control. Great for grades 3–6 who enjoy realistic classroom drama with short chapters and lots of laughs.
Setting: a contemporary suburban elementary school (5th grade)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is No Talking right for my child?
Yes — No Talking is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, 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 communication, self-control, respect.
How long does it take to read No Talking?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, No Talking takes around 2.5h to finish. The book has 24,600 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does No Talking have an AR quiz?
Yes — No Talking 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 No Talking?
No Talking has an AR reading level of 5, 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.