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The Mutation (Animorphs #36) book cover

The Mutation (Animorphs #36)

by K. A. Applegate

Scholastic Inc. 2017

★★★★★

Great fit for 4th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

Themes include ethics of war

4th grade English Juvenile Fiction
121
Pages
4
AR Points
3.2h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Science Fiction

Themes

  • teamwork
  • leadership under pressure
  • courage
  • identity and secrecy
  • ethics of war
  • survival
  • power and responsibility
  • the unknown/deep sea

About this book

Visser Three is racing to reach a lost Pemalite ship hidden deep beneath the ocean, and the Animorphs must take the fight underwater to stop him. With new deep-sea morphs and limited time, Jake and the team plunge into an alien world of darkness, pressure, and strange life. Their mission leads to the discovery of a mysterious underwater civilization that challenges what they thought they knew. Fast-paced and high-stakes, this installment appeals to readers who like action, sci‑fi twists, and tough leadership choices.

Setting: present-day Earth; deep Atlantic Ocean and coastal areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Mutation (Animorphs #36) right for my child?

Yes — The Mutation (Animorphs #36) 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 teamwork, leadership under pressure, courage.

How long does it take to read The Mutation (Animorphs #36)?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Mutation (Animorphs #36) takes around 3.2h to finish. The book has 29,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does The Mutation (Animorphs #36) have an AR quiz?

Yes — The Mutation (Animorphs #36) 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 The Mutation (Animorphs #36)?

The Mutation (Animorphs #36) 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.