Whales
by Lesley A. DuTemple
Lerner Publications 1996
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- animal adaptation
- ocean habitats
- communication
- migration
- food webs
- biodiversity
- conservation
- human impact on nature
About this book
This photo-filled nonfiction book introduces the world’s whales—how they are classified, how their bodies work, and how they live and communicate in the oceans. Readers learn the differences between baleen and toothed whales, explore feeding and migration, and discover how scientists study these giants. Clear explanations and diagrams make complex ideas easy to grasp. Perfect for curious elementary and middle-grade readers who love animals and fascinating facts.
Setting: world oceans and marine environments
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whales right for my child?
Yes — Whales is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 animal adaptation, ocean habitats, communication.
How long does it take to read Whales?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Whales takes around 17m to finish. The book has 2,800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Whales have an AR quiz?
Yes — Whales has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Whales?
Whales has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.