D.W. the Big Boss
by Marc Brown
L,B Kids 2005
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- leadership
- sibling relationships
- friendship
- fairness
- empathy
- cooperation
- responsibility
- problem solving
About this book
D.W. loves being in charge—of games, rules, and especially her big brother Arthur. But when her bossy ways start turning fun into frustration, she has to figure out how to lead without taking over. With gentle humor and familiar Arthur-world moments, this short picture book helps young readers see the difference between being a boss and being a good friend. Perfect for new readers and read-alouds with preschoolers through early elementary.
Setting: Elwood City — home, school, and the playground in a suburban neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is D.W. the Big Boss right for my child?
Yes — D.W. the Big Boss is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2, 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 leadership, sibling relationships, friendship.
How long does it take to read D.W. the Big Boss?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, D.W. the Big Boss takes around 5m to finish. The book has 600 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does D.W. the Big Boss have an AR quiz?
Yes — D.W. the Big Boss 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 D.W. the Big Boss?
D.W. the Big Boss has an AR reading level of 2, 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.