Arthur's fire drill
by Marc Brown
Random House 2000
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- fire safety
- school life
- following rules
- responsibility
- overcoming fear
- teamwork
- community helpers
About this book
Arthur and his classmates practice a fire drill at school, and he learns what to do to stay calm and safe. Clear, friendly text and familiar characters walk young readers through the steps of lining up, listening, and exiting the building. It’s a reassuring story that makes safety routines less scary and more doable for early elementary kids. Fans of Arthur will enjoy the gentle humor and school-day setting.
Setting: Elwood City elementary school, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arthur's fire drill right for my child?
Yes — Arthur's fire drill is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.1, 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 fire safety, school life, following rules.
How long does it take to read Arthur's fire drill?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Arthur's fire drill takes around 5m to finish. The book has 620 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Arthur's fire drill have an AR quiz?
Yes — Arthur's fire drill 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 fire drill?
Arthur's fire drill has an AR reading level of 2.1, 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.