Notes from the dog
by Gary Paulsen
Random House Children's Books 2009
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- empathy
- overcoming shyness
- illness and resilience
- community service
- self-discovery
- hope
- kindness
About this book
Shy and quiet Finn plans to spend his summer avoiding people—until he meets Johanna, a vibrant young woman staying next door who’s battling cancer. With help from his best friend Matthew and some surprising notes that seem to come from Finn’s dog, he’s nudged into new friendships and unexpected challenges. As the summer unfolds, Finn learns to speak up, pitch in, and find courage in small acts of kindness. It’s a heartfelt, funny story about connection, confidence, and the ways we can lift each other up.
Setting: contemporary suburban neighborhood over one summer
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Notes from the dog right for my child?
Yes — Notes from the dog 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, empathy, overcoming shyness.
How long does it take to read Notes from the dog?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Notes from the dog takes around 2.3h to finish. The book has 23,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Notes from the dog have an AR quiz?
Yes — Notes from the dog 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 Notes from the dog?
Notes from the dog 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.