Parachuting hamsters and Andy Russell
by David A. Adler, Will Hillenbrand
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 2000
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- responsibility
- friendship
- family
- problem-solving
- pets and animal care
- creativity and invention
- consequences
- humor
About this book
Andy Russell is a well-meaning kid whose life gets complicated when his pet hamsters and a school project collide—leading to a wild idea about tiny parachutes. As the chaos builds, Andy has to problem-solve, take responsibility, and keep his pets (and his plans) from spinning out of control. Readers love the fast-paced humor, family antics, and Andy’s big heart. A great pick for kids ready to move up from early chapter books.
Setting: contemporary suburban neighborhood and elementary school
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parachuting hamsters and Andy Russell right for my child?
Yes — Parachuting hamsters and Andy Russell is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4, 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 responsibility, friendship, family.
How long does it take to read Parachuting hamsters and Andy Russell?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Parachuting hamsters and Andy Russell takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 18,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Parachuting hamsters and Andy Russell have an AR quiz?
Yes — Parachuting hamsters and Andy Russell has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Parachuting hamsters and Andy Russell?
Parachuting hamsters and Andy Russell has an AR reading level of 4, 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.