By the Side of the Road
Hyperion 2002
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- independence
- parent-child relationships
- rules and consequences
- imagination
- stubbornness
- humor
- self-reliance
About this book
A headstrong boy takes his dad’s warning a little too literally and decides he’s fine living by the side of the road. With Feiffer’s trademark expressive line art and dry humor, the story captures the tug-of-war between a child’s independence and family rules. It’s a brisk, witty read-aloud that invites conversation about choices and consequences without feeling preachy.
Setting: a suburban roadside, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is By the Side of the Road right for my child?
Yes — By the Side of the Road 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 independence, parent-child relationships, rules and consequences.
How long does it take to read By the Side of the Road?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, By the Side of the Road takes around 7m to finish. The book has 800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does By the Side of the Road have an AR quiz?
Yes — By the Side of the Road 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 By the Side of the Road?
By the Side of the Road 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.