Squirm
by Carl Hiaasen
Knopf Books for Young Readers 2018
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- identity
- environmental conservation
- courage
- justice
- perseverance
- respect for wildlife
- truth-seeking
About this book
Billy Dickens is a snake-savvy Florida kid whose search for his long-absent father sends him from bald-eagle nests in South Florida to grizzly country in Montana. Along the way he tangles with high-tech drones, suspicious adults, and plenty of wildlife, using grit and humor to get answers. Fast-paced chapters, sharp wit, and an eco-mystery vibe make this an engaging read for middle graders. Perfect for kids who like outdoor adventures, animals, and a clever hero who won’t back down.
Setting: present-day South Florida and the Montana backcountry
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Squirm right for my child?
Yes — Squirm is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th 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 family, identity, environmental conservation.
How long does it take to read Squirm?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Squirm takes around 6.7h to finish. The book has 66,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Squirm have an AR quiz?
Yes — Squirm has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Squirm?
Squirm has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th 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.