Thirteen ways to sink a sub
by Jamie Gilson
Avon 1988
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- pranks and mischief
- friendship and teamwork
- classroom dynamics
- rules and consequences
- leadership
- empathy and respect
- competition
- problem-solving
About this book
When their regular teacher is out, a lively class decides to "sink" the substitute by pulling every trick they can think of. Told with lots of humor and spot-on school details, it captures the way kids plan, scheme, and stick together—sometimes a little too well. Readers will enjoy the escalating pranks and the classroom camaraderie while seeing how choices have consequences. A great pick for upper–elementary readers who like funny, realistic school stories.
Setting: a contemporary American elementary school classroom
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thirteen ways to sink a sub right for my child?
Yes — Thirteen ways to sink a sub is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.2, 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 pranks and mischief, friendship and teamwork, classroom dynamics.
How long does it take to read Thirteen ways to sink a sub?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Thirteen ways to sink a sub takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 27,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Thirteen ways to sink a sub have an AR quiz?
Yes — Thirteen ways to sink a sub has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Thirteen ways to sink a sub?
Thirteen ways to sink a sub has an AR reading level of 4.2, 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.