Dinosaur train
by Gurney, John
Scholastic 2005
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- imagination
- adventure
- friendship
- dinosaurs
- bravery
- problem-solving
- transportation
About this book
A young boy who loves both dinosaurs and trains is swept up into a fantastical ride where the cars are full of friendly prehistoric passengers. As the train chugs through imaginative landscapes, he discovers that big adventures can come from big ideas. The playful text and energetic art make this a fun read-aloud for dinosaur and train fans alike. Perfect for early readers ready for a lively, make-believe journey.
Setting: a boy’s home and an imaginative prehistoric world aboard a dinosaur-run train
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dinosaur train right for my child?
Yes — Dinosaur train is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.5, 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 imagination, adventure, friendship.
How long does it take to read Dinosaur train?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Dinosaur train takes around 7m to finish. The book has 850 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dinosaur train have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dinosaur train 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 Dinosaur train?
Dinosaur train has an AR reading level of 2.5, 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.