George Washington and the General's Dog
by Frank Murphy
Random House 2002
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- kindness
- honor and integrity
- respect
- leadership
- empathy
- American Revolution
- good citizenship
About this book
This early-reader biography shares the true story of how George Washington found the enemy general’s lost dog during the Revolutionary War and kindly returned it. With short chapters and friendly illustrations, it introduces young readers to Washington’s character and the ideas of respect and honor. It’s perfect for kids just moving into longer texts and for classrooms learning about early American history. Children enjoy the surprising dog story and the message that kindness matters, even in difficult times.
Setting: Colonial America during the Revolutionary War (late 1770s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is George Washington and the General's Dog right for my child?
Yes — George Washington and the General's Dog 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 kindness, honor and integrity, respect.
How long does it take to read George Washington and the General's Dog?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, George Washington and the General's Dog takes around 7m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does George Washington and the General's Dog have an AR quiz?
Yes — George Washington and the General's Dog 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 George Washington and the General's Dog?
George Washington and the General's Dog 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.