Skip to main content
The AR Booklist
Arthur's back to school day book cover

Arthur's back to school day

by Lillian Hoban

HarperCollins 1996

Great fit for 2nd grade

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

2nd grade English
45
Pages
0.5
AR Points
9m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.

Learn more about Accelerated Reading →

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • back-to-school jitters
  • family support
  • friendship
  • responsibility
  • problem-solving
  • self-confidence
  • perseverance

About this book

Arthur the chimp is getting ready for the first day back at school, but little worries and mix-ups make the morning feel extra big. With help from his family and some quick thinking, he learns that he’s more prepared than he thought. This Level 2 I Can Read story uses short chapters, friendly humor, and expressive illustrations perfect for emerging readers in grades 1–2. Kids enjoy the familiar school routines and Arthur’s relatable jitters that turn into confidence.

Setting: home and elementary school, present day

Readers also enjoyed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arthur's back to school day right for my child?

Yes — Arthur's back to school day 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 back-to-school jitters, family support, friendship.

How long does it take to read Arthur's back to school day?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Arthur's back to school day takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Arthur's back to school day have an AR quiz?

Yes — Arthur's back to school day 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's back to school day?

Arthur's back to school day 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.