EllRay Jakes is not a chicken
by Sally Warner
Viking 2011
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- bullying
- courage
- friendship
- self-control
- family support
- peer pressure
- identity
- school life
About this book
Third-grader EllRay Jakes is tired of being picked on and wants to prove he’s brave, not a chicken. When his dad offers a special reward if he can stay out of trouble for a week, EllRay tries his best to handle bullies, follow the rules, and keep his cool. Told with humor and heart, this school story captures the ups and downs of friendship and fitting in. It’s a great pick for newly independent readers who enjoy true-to-life classroom drama.
Setting: contemporary suburban elementary school (third grade classroom and neighborhood)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EllRay Jakes is not a chicken right for my child?
Yes — EllRay Jakes is not a chicken is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.6, 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 bullying, courage, friendship.
How long does it take to read EllRay Jakes is not a chicken?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, EllRay Jakes is not a chicken takes around 1.4h to finish. The book has 11,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does EllRay Jakes is not a chicken have an AR quiz?
Yes — EllRay Jakes is not a chicken has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 EllRay Jakes is not a chicken?
EllRay Jakes is not a chicken has an AR reading level of 3.6, 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.