Buster's new friend
by Stephen Krensky
Little, Brown 2000
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- jealousy
- inclusion
- communication
- empathy
- loyalty
- change
About this book
Buster meets a new friend, and suddenly he’s spending less time with his old pals—especially Arthur. Feelings get ruffled as everyone figures out how to welcome someone new without leaving anyone out. Short chapters, school-day humor, and familiar situations make this a friendly pick for newly independent readers. It’s a gentle story about balancing old and new friendships.
Setting: Elwood City, contemporary elementary school and neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buster's new friend right for my child?
Yes — Buster's new friend is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.4, which is typical for 3rd 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, jealousy, inclusion.
How long does it take to read Buster's new friend?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Buster's new friend takes around 38m to finish. The book has 5,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Buster's new friend have an AR quiz?
Yes — Buster's new friend has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Buster's new friend?
Buster's new friend has an AR reading level of 3.4, which places it at a 3rd 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.