Ages 7+1-min guideHumorFamilySchool
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
by Megan McDonald
Good fitA good fit for most kids 7 and up. A funny, gentle story about feeling small, full of puns. Heads-up: the class pet newt goes down the drain, and it’s implied he dies.
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What it’s about
Stink Moody is the shortest kid in his second-grade class. His big sister, Judy, measures him every morning, and he never grows. Then one night her ruler says he’s a quarter inch shorter.
The ending
What might come up
Death and lossA littleThe class pet newt slips down the sink, then Judy flips on the garbage disposal by mistake. The book implies he dies, and Stink is very upset.
Unkind behaviorA littleJudy teases Stink about his height and calls him names. She makes up for it in the end.
Big feelingsA littleStink feels bad about being the shortest kid, but he ends up feeling better.
LanguageA littleName-calling like 'shrimp,' 'Stinkerbell,' and 'Shorty Pants.'
RomanceNone
Why kids like it
Stink’s own silly comics, lots of puns, and a little brother who finally gets his own book.
Free printable quiz
- 1How tall is Stink at the start of the book?
- 2What color does the hair gel turn Stink’s hair?
- 3What class pet does Stink take home for the weekend?
- 4Who is Stink’s favorite president?
