It's a Gas! cover

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
Book Level 3.5
Points 0.5
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 1555
Points per Word 0.000322

Description

In the town of Shiverton, a thick, swirling fog descends and a mischievous character named Misty Morning begins pulling people's pants down in a series of public pranks. Cole Day, a quick-witted boy who notices the oddity, rounds up his friends to investigate the source of the fog and stop Misty Morning's embarrassing antics before the mayor is humiliated on live TV. The story blends humor and adventure as the kids use teamwork and clever clues to unravel the mystery. Part of the Snow-Man series, the book has a reading level of 3.5 and is aimed at middle-grade readers.

Quick Summary

Tommy Donbavand's "It's a Gas!" is the kind of short, fast-paced book that kids actually finish in one sitting and then immediately want to tell someone about. The story centers on the town of Shiverton being engulfed in a mysterious fog that has one very ridiculous habit: it keeps yanking people's trousers down in public, which is as funny as it sounds but also genuinely unsettling for the characters caught in it. At just 1,500 words and an AR Level of 3.5, this is perfect for middle graders who want something quick and silly, especially reluctant readers who get intimidated by thicker chapter books. The humor walks a fun line between goofy and slightly creepy, making it a great fit for kids who love the Goosebumps vibe but want something lighter. Parents will appreciate that it's got enough personality and absurdity to keep kids engaged without being too dark or intense. If your kid enjoyed "The Haunted Necklace" or other books in this series, they'll want to grab this one next.