Arthur and the school pet
by Marc Brown
Random House 2003
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- responsibility
- friendship
- teamwork
- problem-solving
- school life
- caring for animals
About this book
Arthur and his classmates take turns caring for the class pet, and Arthur learns that being responsible can be fun—and a little tricky. Simple sentences, familiar school situations, and gentle humor make this an inviting choice for new readers. Fans of the Arthur TV show and books will recognize favorite characters and the everyday challenges of classroom life. It’s a warm, confidence-building story for kids just starting to read on their own.
Setting: Mr. Ratburn’s classroom at Lakewood Elementary in Elwood City
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arthur and the school pet right for my child?
Yes — Arthur and the school pet is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.2, 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 responsibility, friendship, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Arthur and the school pet?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Arthur and the school pet takes around 5m to finish. The book has 650 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Arthur and the school pet have an AR quiz?
Yes — Arthur and the school pet 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 Arthur and the school pet?
Arthur and the school pet has an AR reading level of 2.2, 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.