Friends at school
by Rochelle Bunnett
Star Bright Books 1995
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- inclusion
- diversity
- school life
- empathy
- cooperation
- community
- belonging
About this book
This photo-rich picture book follows a diverse group of children as they learn, play, and help one another throughout a typical school day. Simple, repetitive text and real-life photographs highlight friendship, inclusion, and the routines of classroom life. It’s an inviting choice for young readers just starting school or learning about what school is like. Families and teachers value its positive portrayal of children with different abilities learning together.
Setting: an inclusive early-elementary classroom during a typical school day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Friends at school right for my child?
Yes — Friends at school is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.1, 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 friendship, inclusion, diversity.
How long does it take to read Friends at school?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Friends at school takes around 4m to finish. The book has 340 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Friends at school have an AR quiz?
Yes — Friends at 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 Friends at school?
Friends at school has an AR reading level of 1.1, 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.