This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall!
Scholastic Paperbacks 1978
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- pranks and humor
- school life
- rebellion vs. authority
- teamwork
- problem-solving
- loyalty
- consequences
About this book
At Macdonald Hall, best friends Bruno and Boots are famous for their pranks—until the headmaster, nicknamed “The Fish,” splits them into new rooms as punishment. Determined to reunite, the boys hatch one hilarious scheme after another, roping in classmates and causing campus chaos. Fast-paced and funny, this boarding-school caper showcases quick thinking, teamwork, and the ups and downs of friendship. Perfect for middle graders who enjoy humor, school stories, and clever mischief.
Setting: a Canadian boys’ boarding school (Macdonald Hall), contemporary to the late 1970s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall! right for my child?
Yes — This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall! is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 friendship, pranks and humor, school life.
How long does it take to read This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall!?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall! takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall! have an AR quiz?
Yes — This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall! 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 This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall!?
This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall! has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.