Arthur and the Cootie Catcher
by Marc Brown
Little Brown and Company 1999
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- peer pressure
- superstition vs. choice
- critical thinking
- school life
- responsibility
- problem-solving
About this book
Arthur and his friends get swept up in the craze of a paper "cootie catcher" that seems to predict their every move. When the fortunes start influencing choices at school and with friends, Arthur has to decide whether to follow the slips of paper or trust his own judgment. With plenty of classroom humor and familiar everyday dilemmas, this story invites young readers to think about superstition versus common sense. Perfect for fans of the TV series and early chapter book readers ready for longer stories.
Setting: Elwood City and Lakewood Elementary, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arthur and the Cootie Catcher right for my child?
Yes — Arthur and the Cootie Catcher is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.7, which is typical for 3rd 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, peer pressure, superstition vs. choice.
How long does it take to read Arthur and the Cootie Catcher?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Arthur and the Cootie Catcher takes around 59m to finish. The book has 8,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Arthur and the Cootie Catcher have an AR quiz?
Yes — Arthur and the Cootie Catcher has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Arthur and the Cootie Catcher?
Arthur and the Cootie Catcher has an AR reading level of 3.7, which places it at a 3rd 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.