Strays (Dog Tags #2)
by C. Alexander London
Scholastic Inc. 2013
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include war and its moral complexities
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Genre
Themes
- loyalty
- friendship and trust
- bond between humans and animals
- duty vs. conscience
- courage and sacrifice
- war and its moral complexities
- animal welfare
About this book
In the final days of the Vietnam War, young handler Chuck and his scout dog Ajax work the jungle trails, with Ajax sniffing out deadly traps to save U.S. soldiers. When the Army plans a future for Ajax that Chuck can’t accept, he must choose between following orders and protecting the partner who’s saved countless lives.
Setting: Vietnam War (late war), South Vietnam jungles and U.S. Army bases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Strays (Dog Tags #2) right for my child?
Yes — Strays (Dog Tags #2) is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 loyalty, friendship and trust, bond between humans and animals.
How long does it take to read Strays (Dog Tags #2)?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Strays (Dog Tags #2) takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 31,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Strays (Dog Tags #2) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Strays (Dog Tags #2) has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Strays (Dog Tags #2)?
Strays (Dog Tags #2) has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.