Down the back of the chair
by Margaret Mahy, Polly Dunbar
Intermón Oxfam 2008
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family
- imagination
- problem-solving
- humor
- resourcefulness
- rhyme and wordplay
- surprise and discovery
About this book
When Dad goes fishing for the lost car keys down the back of the chair, he pulls out a parade of surprising treasures in a rollicking, rhyming romp. Margaret Mahy’s playful wordplay and Polly Dunbar’s bright, friendly art make this a laugh-out-loud read-aloud. Perfect for preschool through early elementary listeners, it celebrates family, imagination, and the delight of the unexpected. A great pick for storytime and for kids who love silly, musical language.
Setting: a contemporary family living room at home
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Down the back of the chair right for my child?
Yes — Down the back of the chair is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.9, 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 family, imagination, problem-solving.
How long does it take to read Down the back of the chair?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Down the back of the chair takes around 5m to finish. The book has 640 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Down the back of the chair have an AR quiz?
Yes — Down the back of the chair 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 Down the back of the chair?
Down the back of the chair has an AR reading level of 2.9, 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.