Great Race
by David M. McPhail
Tandem Library 1999
Great fit for Kindergarten
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- sportsmanship
- humility vs. overconfidence
- friendship
- trying your best
- confidence
About this book
Ready, set, go! In this playful early reader by David McPhail, a group of animals lines up for a big race, and surprises pop up along the way. Short, repeating sentences and friendly artwork support brand-new readers as they track the action. It’s a light, confidence-building story about trying your best and being a good sport.
Setting: a sunny meadow and forest path
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Great Race right for my child?
Yes — Great Race is a great fit for Kindergarten. The reading level is AR 0.9, which is typical for Kindergarten. 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 perseverance, sportsmanship, humility vs. overconfidence.
How long does it take to read Great Race?
At a typical Kindergarten reading pace, Great Race takes around 4m to finish. The book has 200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Great Race have an AR quiz?
Yes — Great Race 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 Great Race?
Great Race has an AR reading level of 0.9, which places it at a Kindergarten 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.