What Stinks?
Darby Creek Pub. 2006
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- the five senses
- adaptation and survival
- animal behavior
- human biology
- chemistry of everyday life
- curiosity and inquiry
- humor and gross facts
About this book
What Stinks? dives into the science of smell—why things stink, how our noses work, and how animals and plants use odors to survive. With lively writing and plenty of gross-but-fascinating facts, Singer explores everything from smelly skunks to everyday scents. It’s a fun, approachable look at biology and chemistry that invites curious readers to think like scientists. Great for middle-grade readers who enjoy real-world science with a humorous twist.
Setting: real-world biology and natural habitats
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What Stinks? right for my child?
Yes — What Stinks? is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.9, 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 the five senses, adaptation and survival, animal behavior.
How long does it take to read What Stinks??
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, What Stinks? takes around 52m to finish. The book has 8,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does What Stinks? have an AR quiz?
Yes — What Stinks? has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 What Stinks??
What Stinks? has an AR reading level of 5.9, 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.