Elephant goes to school
by Jerry Smath
G. Stevens 1984
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- first day of school
- friendship
- self-acceptance
- belonging
- trying new things
- confidence
- humor
About this book
A gentle, funny picture book about a young elephant tackling the first day of school. From finding a seat to meeting new classmates, Elephant learns that school can be a place to try new things and make friends—even when you feel a little different. Simple text and playful art make it perfect for emerging readers and read‑alouds. Kids enjoy the silly size‑mismatch moments and the reassuring message about starting school with confidence.
Setting: an elementary school classroom
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elephant goes to school right for my child?
Yes — Elephant goes to school 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 first day of school, friendship, self-acceptance.
How long does it take to read Elephant goes to school?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Elephant goes to school takes around 10m to finish. The book has 800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Elephant goes to school have an AR quiz?
Yes — Elephant goes to school 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 Elephant goes to school?
Elephant goes to school 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.