Elbert's bad word
by Audrey Wood, Don Wood
Voyager Books 1996
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- manners and etiquette
- self-control
- choices and consequences
- language and its power
- apology and forgiveness
- emotional regulation
- growing up
About this book
At a fancy party, Elbert overhears a shocking word and later discovers that using it can cause big trouble. With gentle guidance, he learns that words have power and that choosing them wisely matters. Lively, expressive illustrations and playful humor make this a memorable lesson in manners and self-control. Perfect for young readers and read-alouds in grades K–3.
Setting: a contemporary, formal garden party
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elbert's bad word right for my child?
Yes — Elbert's bad word is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.3, which is typical for 3rd 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 manners and etiquette, self-control, choices and consequences.
How long does it take to read Elbert's bad word?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Elbert's bad word takes around 7m to finish. The book has 1,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Elbert's bad word have an AR quiz?
Yes — Elbert's bad word 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 Elbert's bad word?
Elbert's bad word has an AR reading level of 3.3, which places it at a 3rd 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.