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Arthur's Prize Reader book cover

Arthur's Prize Reader

by Lillian Hoban

Scholastic 1984

Great fit for 2nd grade

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

Themes include goals and rewards

2nd grade English
64
Pages
0.5
AR Points
12m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • perseverance
  • love of reading
  • self-confidence
  • school life
  • goals and rewards
  • family support

About this book

Arthur the chimpanzee enters a reading contest and discovers that practice—and finding the right books—can make reading fun. With gentle humor and everyday situations, this early reader celebrates perseverance and growing confidence. Simple sentences and supportive illustrations make it a great choice for children building fluency. Perfect for fans of school and library stories who enjoy feel-good endings without big surprises.

Setting: elementary school and community library, contemporary suburban neighborhood

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arthur's Prize Reader right for my child?

Yes — Arthur's Prize Reader is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.9, 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 perseverance, love of reading, self-confidence.

How long does it take to read Arthur's Prize Reader?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Arthur's Prize Reader takes around 12m to finish. The book has 1,400 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Arthur's Prize Reader have an AR quiz?

Yes — Arthur's Prize Reader 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 Prize Reader?

Arthur's Prize Reader has an AR reading level of 2.9, 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.