Junkyard Dog cover

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
Book Level 3.6
Points 2.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 16166
Points per Word 0.000124
Page Count 107
Points per Page 0.018692
Series Orca Currents

Description

Justin likes his after-school job at a guard-dog business, especially the old dog Smokey, but he soon learns that the owner is involved in illegal activity. The plot contains profanity.

Quick Summary

A middle schooler lands an after-school job at a guard-dog facility and forms an unlikely friendship with an old pup named Smokey, only to uncover that his boss is running an illegal operation right under everyone's nose. The Story of a Tugboat (On The Move) races through suspenseful twists while delivering heartwarming dog moments, giving readers both mystery and the loyal companionship they crave from animal stories. If your kid loves mysteries with kid heroes like "Holes" or wants stories where animals steal the show, this quick read delivers both in just under 17,000 words. With a 3.6 AR level and short length, it's perfect for kids in grades 4-6 who want an exciting page-turner without an overwhelming time commitment.