Wild About Dolphins
Candlewick 2001
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- animal behavior
- science and discovery
- conservation
- human–animal connection
- ocean ecology
- field research
- curiosity
- respect for nature
About this book
Marine biologist and author Nicola Davies invites readers aboard a research boat to meet wild dolphins up close. Through field notes, photographs, and lively explanations, she explores how dolphins communicate, hunt, and care for their young. Clear science writing and real-world adventures make ocean ecology feel immediate and exciting. Perfect for curious middle-grade readers who love animals and want to see how scientists study them in the wild.
Setting: on a research boat observing dolphins in coastal and open-ocean environments
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wild About Dolphins right for my child?
Yes — Wild About Dolphins 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 behavior, science and discovery, conservation.
How long does it take to read Wild About Dolphins?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Wild About Dolphins takes around 45m to finish. The book has 7,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Wild About Dolphins have an AR quiz?
Yes — Wild About Dolphins 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 Wild About Dolphins?
Wild About Dolphins 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.