Cheaper by the Dozen (Cheaper by the Dozen #1)
by Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr., Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
Bantam Books 1984
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- humor
- innovation and efficiency
- responsibility
- sibling relationships
- coming of age
- resilience
- teamwork
About this book
This classic family memoir follows the twelve lively Gilbreth children and their ingenious parents, pioneering efficiency experts who turn everyday life into a hilarious experiment. Told by two of the siblings, the stories blend laugh-out-loud pranks with warm moments of teamwork and love. Readers get a window into early 20th-century life while meeting a family that tackles chores, school, and travel with creativity and heart. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy humorous true stories and strong family dynamics.
Setting: early 20th-century America, primarily New Jersey and travels across the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheaper by the Dozen (Cheaper by the Dozen #1) right for my child?
Yes — Cheaper by the Dozen (Cheaper by the Dozen #1) is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.8, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include family, humor, innovation and efficiency.
How long does it take to read Cheaper by the Dozen (Cheaper by the Dozen #1)?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Cheaper by the Dozen (Cheaper by the Dozen #1) takes around 6.7h to finish. The book has 70,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Cheaper by the Dozen (Cheaper by the Dozen #1) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Cheaper by the Dozen (Cheaper by the Dozen #1) has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Cheaper by the Dozen (Cheaper by the Dozen #1)?
Cheaper by the Dozen (Cheaper by the Dozen #1) has an AR reading level of 6.8, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.