Stink
Megan McDonald
Stink
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Solar System Superhero
by Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Reynolds, Peter H. (Peter Hamilton), 1961- illustrator
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Stink Moody is the only kid brave enough to stand up when Pluto is kicked out of the Milky Way for being too tiny. He’s about to challenge a room full of serious scientists, and things are about to get cosmic! Can one small planet—and one small kid—really change the universe?
Quick Assessment
This humorous middle-grade fiction follows Stink Moody as he defends Pluto’s place in the solar system after the planet is demoted. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story combines science facts with humor and encourages children to think critically about standing up for what’s right, even when the odds seem big. The book contains light scientific concepts and playful storytelling without intense content.
Why we rated Stink 9C
Stink is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 123 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Stink works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Stink as 9C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Stink explores humor, science & nature, adventure, friendship, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about humor, science & nature, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
Megan McDonald
Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
Megan McDonald
Stink and the freaky frog freakout
Megan McDonald
Stink and the freaky frog freakout
Megan McDonald
Stink: Solar System Superhero
Megan McDonald
Stink: Solar System Superhero
Megan McDonald
Stink
Megan McDonald
Stink
Megan McDonald
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
Megan McDonald
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
Megan McDonald
Stink And The Incredible Supergalactic Jawbreaker
Megan McDonald
Stink And The Incredible Supergalactic Jawbreaker
Megan McDonald
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781406347098
- Pages
- 123
- Publisher
- Stink
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction