Slim's Good-Bye
Viking Juvenile 2000
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- loyalty
- friendship
- change and coping
- responsibility
- miscommunication
- ranch life
- humor
- problem-solving
About this book
When Hank the Cowdog hears that ranch hand Slim might be saying good-bye, the Head of Ranch Security barrels into action to keep the outfit running and get to the bottom of the rumors. With Drover at his side, Hank follows dubious clues, sings a few goofy songs, and charges into classic ranch mishaps. The story blends laugh-out-loud humor with a loyal dog’s-eye view of life on the range. Perfect for readers who enjoy funny animal adventures and light mysteries without scary moments.
Setting: a working cattle ranch in the Texas Panhandle, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Slim's Good-Bye right for my child?
Yes — Slim's Good-Bye is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, 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 loyalty, friendship, change and coping.
How long does it take to read Slim's Good-Bye?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Slim's Good-Bye takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 27,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Slim's Good-Bye have an AR quiz?
Yes — Slim's Good-Bye 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 Slim's Good-Bye?
Slim's Good-Bye has an AR reading level of 4.7, 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.