Clifford Makes a Friend
Scholastic 1998
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- kindness
- inclusion
- meeting new people
- empathy
- community
- helpfulness
About this book
Clifford, the lovable big red dog, learns how to make a new friend with kindness and patience. Simple text and bright illustrations support beginning readers as they follow Clifford’s gentle, good-hearted attempts to include others. This warm story reassures children who are nervous about meeting someone new and models friendly behavior. Perfect for read-alouds or early independent reading.
Setting: Birdwell Island and a friendly neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clifford Makes a Friend right for my child?
Yes — Clifford Makes a Friend is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.8, 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 Clifford Makes a Friend?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Clifford Makes a Friend takes around 5m to finish. The book has 360 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Clifford Makes a Friend have an AR quiz?
Yes — Clifford Makes a 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 Clifford Makes a Friend?
Clifford Makes a Friend has an AR reading level of 1.8, 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.