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Smell that clue! book cover

Smell that clue!

by Stephen Mooser

Grosset & Dunlap 2006

Great fit for 3rd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

3rd grade English
1
AR Points
1.1h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Mystery

Themes

  • friendship
  • teamwork
  • problem-solving
  • honesty
  • responsibility
  • perseverance
  • humor

About this book

This light, funny mystery follows a pair of kid sleuths who rely on sharp senses—and especially a keen nose—to track down clues. When everyday items start going missing, the trail leads through classrooms, hallways, and the neighborhood in a romp full of red herrings and laugh-out-loud moments. Short chapters, plenty of humor, and a fast pace make it a great pick for newly confident readers. Kids enjoy the goofy twists, teamwork, and the satisfaction of solving a puzzle along with the characters.

Setting: elementary school and suburban neighborhood

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Smell that clue! right for my child?

Yes — Smell that clue! is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.5, 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, teamwork, problem-solving.

How long does it take to read Smell that clue!?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Smell that clue! takes around 1.1h to finish. The book has 9,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Smell that clue! have an AR quiz?

Yes — Smell that clue! 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 Smell that clue!?

Smell that clue! has an AR reading level of 3.5, 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.