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26 Fairmount Avenue book cover

26 Fairmount Avenue

by Tomie dePaola

Putnam Juvenile 1999

★★★★☆

Great fit for 3rd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

3rd grade English
58
Pages
1
AR Points
44m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Newbery HonorALA Notable Children’s Book

Genre

Biography

Themes

  • family
  • home and belonging
  • childhood memories
  • resilience
  • community
  • traditions and heritage
  • humor
  • growing up

About this book

In this warm and funny autobiography, Tomie dePaola shares memories of his childhood as his family builds their dream house at 26 Fairmount Avenue. Set around the time of the 1938 New England hurricane, Tomie’s stories capture everyday adventures, big feelings, and the excitement of a new home. Lively illustrations and short chapters make it perfect for young readers moving into chapter books. Kids enjoy the humor, family closeness, and peek into life long ago.

Setting: Meriden, Connecticut, late 1930s–early 1940s

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 26 Fairmount Avenue right for my child?

Yes — 26 Fairmount Avenue is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.6, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include family, home and belonging, childhood memories.

How long does it take to read 26 Fairmount Avenue?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, 26 Fairmount Avenue takes around 44m to finish. The book has 6,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does 26 Fairmount Avenue have an AR quiz?

Yes — 26 Fairmount Avenue has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 26 Fairmount Avenue?

26 Fairmount Avenue has an AR reading level of 3.6, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.