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Henry and Beezus book cover

Henry and Beezus

by Beverly Cleary

1990

★★★★☆

Great fit for 4th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

4th grade English
192
Pages
5
AR Points
4.3h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • friendship
  • responsibility
  • perseverance
  • problem-solving
  • family
  • resourcefulness
  • pets and animals
  • earning and saving money

About this book

Henry Huggins is determined to buy a new bicycle, but earning the money isn’t as easy as he hoped. With his loyal dog Ribsy and practical friend Beezus by his side, Henry tries one scheme after another—from odd jobs to creative moneymaking ideas. Everyday mishaps turn into humorous adventures as Henry learns about responsibility and perseverance. A classic neighborhood story perfect for confident elementary readers who enjoy gentle humor and relatable, real-life problems.

Setting: suburban Portland, Oregon, mid-20th century

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Henry and Beezus right for my child?

Yes — Henry and Beezus is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, responsibility, perseverance.

How long does it take to read Henry and Beezus?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Henry and Beezus takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 39,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Henry and Beezus have an AR quiz?

Yes — Henry and Beezus has an AR quiz available, worth 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 Henry and Beezus?

Henry and Beezus has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.