Armies of ants
by Walter Retan
Scholastic 1994
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- survival
- animal behavior
- predator and prey
- adaptation
- ecosystems
- curiosity and discovery
About this book
This early science reader introduces kids to the incredible world of army ants—how they travel, hunt, and work together like a moving colony. With simple text and vivid facts, it explains what makes these insects different from other ants and why their teamwork is so powerful. Perfect for new readers who love animals and nature, it builds curiosity while keeping the reading manageable. Engaging photos and examples make it a fun choice for classrooms and at-home reading.
Setting: tropical forest floors, primarily Central and South America
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Armies of ants right for my child?
Yes — Armies of ants is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.6, 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 teamwork, survival, animal behavior.
How long does it take to read Armies of ants?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Armies of ants takes around 7m to finish. The book has 800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Armies of ants have an AR quiz?
Yes — Armies of ants 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 Armies of ants?
Armies of ants has an AR reading level of 2.6, 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.