Skinnybones
Yearling 1989
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.6 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- self-acceptance
- humor
- friendship
- sportsmanship
- competition
- embarrassment and resilience
- identity
- perseverance
About this book
Alex “Skinnybones” Frankovitch is the class clown who talks a big game—especially about baseball—even though he can barely make contact with the ball. When his bragging gets him in over his head, Alex has to face a rival and his own nerves on and off the field. Told with quick humor and a relatable voice, this story captures the ups and downs of being the small kid with a big mouth. Great for readers who like funny, realistic school stories with sports and heart.
Setting: suburban U.S. town; school and baseball fields, 1980s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skinnybones right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Skinnybones. The reading level is AR 3.6, which is typical for 3rd 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 self-acceptance, humor, friendship.
How long does it take to read Skinnybones?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Skinnybones takes around 2.2h to finish. The book has 18,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Skinnybones have an AR quiz?
Yes — Skinnybones 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 Skinnybones?
Skinnybones has an AR reading level of 3.6, which places it at a 3rd 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.