On the Scent of Trouble
by Susan Saunders, Henry Cole
Avon Books 2001
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- responsibility
- problem-solving
- pets and animals
- community
- honesty
- perseverance
About this book
When a string of small mishaps and missing items hits the neighborhood, a quick-thinking kid and a very nosey dog team up to track down clues. With plenty of humor and lively illustrations by Henry Cole, this short mystery invites young readers to follow the evidence and trust a talented sniffer. It’s a friendly, low-stakes whodunit perfect for kids moving into longer chapter books. Animal lovers and budding detectives will enjoy the fast pace and satisfying trail of clues.
Setting: contemporary suburban neighborhood
Frequently Asked Questions
Is On the Scent of Trouble right for my child?
Yes — On the Scent of Trouble is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.7, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include friendship, responsibility, problem-solving.
How long does it take to read On the Scent of Trouble?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, On the Scent of Trouble takes around 1.6h to finish. The book has 12,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does On the Scent of Trouble have an AR quiz?
Yes — On the Scent of Trouble 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 On the Scent of Trouble?
On the Scent of Trouble has an AR reading level of 3.7, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.