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Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School book cover

Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School

by Herman Parish

Greenwillow Books 2009

★★★★☆

Great fit for 2nd grade

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

2nd grade English Juvenile Fiction
0.5
AR Points
9m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • first day of school
  • humor and wordplay
  • making friends
  • trying new things
  • teacher-student relationships
  • optimism
  • confidence

About this book

Young Amelia Bedelia can’t wait for her very first day of school, and her literal way of hearing instructions leads to lots of silly mix-ups. With a warm teacher, new friends, and plenty of classroom fun, her enthusiasm shines on every page. This cheerful picture book is perfect for kids starting school or adjusting to new routines. Families love the humor, wordplay, and the reassuring message that school is a place to explore and enjoy.

Setting: a modern-day elementary school on the first day of class

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School right for my child?

Yes — Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.5, which is typical for 2nd 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 first day of school, humor and wordplay, making friends.

How long does it take to read Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,040 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School have an AR quiz?

Yes — Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School 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 Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School?

Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School has an AR reading level of 2.5, which places it at a 2nd 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.