That Mushy Stuff
by Judy Delton
Dell 1989
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- first crushes
- feelings and emotions
- teamwork
- school life
- humor
- community
About this book
In this lighthearted Pee Wee Scouts adventure, the troop tackles Valentine’s Day and all the awkward, funny feelings that come with it. Between making cards, planning a party, and navigating first crushes, the scouts learn that friendship matters more than “mushy” romance. Short chapters, lots of humor, and familiar school-and-troop mishaps make it a comfortable read for newer chapter-book readers. It’s a sweet, silly look at feelings that kids in early elementary grades can relate to.
Setting: a contemporary small town and elementary school during Valentine’s season
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is That Mushy Stuff right for my child?
Yes — That Mushy Stuff is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.2, 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, first crushes, feelings and emotions.
How long does it take to read That Mushy Stuff?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, That Mushy Stuff takes around 1.0h to finish. The book has 8,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does That Mushy Stuff have an AR quiz?
Yes — That Mushy Stuff 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 That Mushy Stuff?
That Mushy Stuff has an AR reading level of 3.2, 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.