A Thump from Upstairs
Starring Mr. Boo and Max
by Richard Keep
Peachtree Publishers 2005
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- facing fears
- courage
- friendship
- imagination vs. reality
- problem-solving
- humor
- pets and owners
- nighttime
About this book
When a mysterious thump echoes from upstairs, Mr. Boo bravely investigates while trying to keep his skittish cat, Max, calm. Playful sound effects and expressive illustrations turn a potentially spooky moment into a giggly, reassuring adventure. Perfect for read-alouds, this gentle story helps young children face nighttime noises with humor and confidence. Great for preschool and early elementary listeners who enjoy silly suspense with a cozy ending.
Setting: a creaky family home at night
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Thump from Upstairs right for my child?
Yes — A Thump from Upstairs 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 facing fears, courage, friendship.
How long does it take to read A Thump from Upstairs?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, A Thump from Upstairs takes around 6m to finish. The book has 450 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Thump from Upstairs have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Thump from Upstairs 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 Thump from Upstairs?
A Thump from Upstairs 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.