A Penny a Look
An Old Story
by Harve Zemach, Margot Zemach
Sunburst 1989
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.2 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- greed
- empathy
- fairness and justice
- sibling dynamics
- consequences of choices
- community
- respect for others
- humor
About this book
In this wry retelling of an old folk tale, two brothers hatch a scheme to capture a one-eyed man and charge a penny to let townspeople see him. Their plan sends them into a bustling marketplace and a swirl of curiosity, comedy, and consequences. With lively, old-world illustrations and rhythmic storytelling, the book invites young readers to think about fairness and how we treat others. A great read-aloud that sparks discussion and plenty of giggles.
Setting: an old-world European village and marketplace
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Penny a Look right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for A Penny a Look. The reading level is AR 4.2, which is typical for 4th 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 greed, empathy, fairness and justice.
How long does it take to read A Penny a Look?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, A Penny a Look takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Penny a Look have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Penny a Look 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 Penny a Look?
A Penny a Look has an AR reading level of 4.2, which places it at a 4th 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.