Skip to main content
The AR Booklist
Gladys goes out to lunch book cover

Gladys goes out to lunch

by Derek Anderson

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 2005

Great fit for 2nd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

2nd grade English
0.5
AR Points
4m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.

Learn more about Accelerated Reading →

Genre

Animal Fiction

Themes

  • curiosity
  • adventure
  • trying new things
  • independence
  • problem-solving
  • senses
  • humor

About this book

Gladys is a banana-loving gorilla who catches a whiff of something new and irresistible drifting into the zoo. Determined to find the source, she slips out for a tasty tour of the bustling city, sampling tempting smells and sights along the way. Bold, humorous art and playful text make this a lively read-aloud that invites kids to talk about senses, foods, and trying new things. Perfect for young listeners who enjoy silly animal adventures.

Setting: a contemporary city and zoo

Readers also enjoyed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gladys goes out to lunch right for my child?

Yes — Gladys goes out to lunch is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.2, which is typical for 2nd 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 curiosity, adventure, trying new things.

How long does it take to read Gladys goes out to lunch?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Gladys goes out to lunch takes around 4m to finish. The book has 500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Gladys goes out to lunch have an AR quiz?

Yes — Gladys goes out to lunch 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 Gladys goes out to lunch?

Gladys goes out to lunch has an AR reading level of 2.2, which places it at a 2nd 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.