Sticks and stones and skeleton bones
by Jamie Gilson
Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books 1991
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- bullying and teasing
- empathy
- school life
- teamwork
- self-acceptance
- problem-solving
- humor
About this book
In this humorous school story, a lively class dives into a unit on the human skeleton just as name‑calling and teasing start to take over the classroom. A hands-on project—and a few laugh-out-loud mishaps—push the kids to ask whether words can hurt as much as sticks and stones. Readers watch friendships bend and mend as classmates learn empathy, teamwork, and how to speak up. Perfect for grades 4–6 who enjoy realistic, funny classroom adventures.
Setting: a suburban elementary school classroom, contemporary 1990s Midwest
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sticks and stones and skeleton bones right for my child?
Yes — Sticks and stones and skeleton bones 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 friendship, bullying and teasing, empathy.
How long does it take to read Sticks and stones and skeleton bones?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Sticks and stones and skeleton bones takes around 3.8h to finish. The book has 34,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Sticks and stones and skeleton bones have an AR quiz?
Yes — Sticks and stones and skeleton bones has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Sticks and stones and skeleton bones?
Sticks and stones and skeleton bones 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.