The Cookcamp
by Gary Paulsen
Scholastic Paperbacks 2003
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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About this book
Told through the eyes of a 5-year-old boy, this is a story of adventure and discovery in a cookcamp located in the Canadian woods during World War II. When?: World War II Where?: A cookcamp in the Canadian woods Why?: He's not really sure. One summer, a 5-year-old boy goes to live with his grandmother in a cookcamp. The camp is home to 9 men who are building a road through the woods. The boy misses his mother, but at the same time the camp becomes home--a special home where he learns to spit and rides the tractor. It's a wonderful summer, but then he lets slip to his grandmother about "Uncle Casey" and she writes seven letters to his mother. Seven letters that she mails "good and hard." A short while later, the boy returns home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cookcamp right for my child?
Yes — The Cookcamp is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, 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).
How long does it take to read The Cookcamp?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Cookcamp takes around 36m to finish. The book has 5,969 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Cookcamp have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Cookcamp has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 The Cookcamp?
The Cookcamp has an AR reading level of 5, 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.