The Unteachables
by Gordon Korman, Perfection Learning Corporation
Turtleback 2019
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- second chances
- redemption
- friendship
- self-worth
- teamwork
- empathy
- perseverance
- school life
About this book
A burned-out teacher and a group of misfit middle schoolers get stuck together in Room 117—and none of them expects much. Told in multiple voices, the story follows a year of surprising challenges, small victories, and laugh-out-loud moments as the class starts to believe in themselves. With Gordon Korman’s trademark humor and heart, it’s a fast, relatable read about second chances and finding your people. Perfect for grades 4–8 who enjoy school stories with big personalities and a feel-good payoff.
Setting: a contemporary small-town middle school, mostly Room 117
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Unteachables right for my child?
Yes — The Unteachables is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 second chances, redemption, friendship.
How long does it take to read The Unteachables?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Unteachables takes around 6.6h to finish. The book has 65,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Unteachables have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Unteachables has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Unteachables?
The Unteachables has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.