Spi-ku
A Clutter of Short Verse on Eight Legs
by Leslie Bulion
National Geographic Books 2021
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- biodiversity
- adaptation
- predator-prey relationships
- scientific inquiry
- overcoming fears
- humor
- STEM learning
- nature appreciation
About this book
This playful collection of short poems explores the wild world of spiders—from silk-spinners and trapdoor hiders to dancers, drummers, and diving arachnids. Clear side notes and cheeky art pair science facts with witty verse, making complex ideas easy and fun. It’s a great fit for curious readers who enjoy nature, wordplay, and quick bites of information. Perfect for classrooms and budding naturalists who want to appreciate spiders instead of fear them.
Setting: spider habitats around the world, from backyards to forests and wetlands
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spi-ku right for my child?
Yes — Spi-ku is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.7, 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 biodiversity, adaptation, predator-prey relationships.
How long does it take to read Spi-ku?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Spi-ku takes around 15m to finish. The book has 2,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Spi-ku have an AR quiz?
Yes — Spi-ku 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 Spi-ku?
Spi-ku has an AR reading level of 5.7, 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.