Arthur's Chicken Pox
by Marc Brown
Little, Brown Young Readers 1994
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- family
- sibling rivalry
- coping with illness
- disappointment
- empathy
- patience
- humor
About this book
Arthur comes down with the chicken pox right before a much-anticipated outing, leaving him itchy, bored, and stuck at home. With D.W. underfoot and family remedies to try, Arthur learns to cope with being sick and missing out. Kids enjoy the gentle humor, familiar sibling dynamics, and Marc Brown’s warm illustrations. A comforting read for young readers who’ve ever had to pause the fun to get better.
Setting: suburban Elwood City, contemporary
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arthur's Chicken Pox right for my child?
Yes — Arthur's Chicken Pox is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.8, 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 family, sibling rivalry, coping with illness.
How long does it take to read Arthur's Chicken Pox?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Arthur's Chicken Pox takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Arthur's Chicken Pox have an AR quiz?
Yes — Arthur's Chicken Pox 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 Chicken Pox?
Arthur's Chicken Pox has an AR reading level of 2.8, 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.