Benny's new friend
Whitman 2014
Great fit for 1st 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
- friendship
- kindness
- inclusion
- empathy
- meeting new people
- family support
About this book
Benny Alden meets a new child in town and is determined to make him feel welcome. With simple text and warm illustrations, this beginning reader shows how small acts of kindness can start a friendship. Young readers will relate to Benny’s curiosity and big heart as he learns to listen, share, and include someone new. It’s a gentle, confidence-building story for kids just starting to read on their own.
Setting: the Aldens’ hometown of Greenfield, present day
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benny's new friend right for my child?
Yes — Benny's new friend is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.7, which is typical for 1st 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 friendship, kindness, inclusion.
How long does it take to read Benny's new friend?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Benny's new friend takes around 7m to finish. The book has 520 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Benny's new friend have an AR quiz?
Yes — Benny's new friend 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 Benny's new friend?
Benny's new friend has an AR reading level of 1.7, which places it at a 1st 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.