A Friend For Dragon
by Dav Pilkey
Acorn 2020
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- loneliness
- kindness
- empathy
- imagination
- humor
- trust
About this book
Dragon is feeling lonely, so he heads out to find a friend—and a silly misunderstanding leads him to care deeply for something unexpected. With simple text, bright art, and gentle humor, this early reader explores what it means to be kind and to look for friendship in surprising places. Ideal for new readers building confidence, it balances laugh-out-loud moments with lots of heart. Fans of sweet, simple stories with big emotions will enjoy Dragon’s adventures.
Setting: a cozy, everyday world around Dragon’s home and neighborhood
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Friend For Dragon right for my child?
Yes — A Friend For Dragon is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.8, which is typical for 1st 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 friendship, loneliness, kindness.
How long does it take to read A Friend For Dragon?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, A Friend For Dragon takes around 8m to finish. The book has 650 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Friend For Dragon have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Friend For Dragon has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 A Friend For Dragon?
A Friend For Dragon has an AR reading level of 1.8, which places it at a 1st 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.