Herbie Jones and the Class Gift
by Suzy Kline
National Geographic Books 2002
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- responsibility
- honesty
- problem-solving
- school life
- consequences
- teamwork
About this book
Herbie and his best friend Raymond want to chip in for their class’s end-of-year gift, but they don’t have the cash. Their plan to earn the money works a little too well, leading to mix-ups and misunderstandings. With plenty of classroom humor and heart, Herbie learns about responsibility and doing the right thing. A great pick for early chapter-book readers who enjoy school stories and best-friend adventures.
Setting: contemporary elementary school and neighborhood
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herbie Jones and the Class Gift right for my child?
Yes — Herbie Jones and the Class Gift is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.5, 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 friendship, responsibility, honesty.
How long does it take to read Herbie Jones and the Class Gift?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Herbie Jones and the Class Gift takes around 1.1h to finish. The book has 9,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Herbie Jones and the Class Gift have an AR quiz?
Yes — Herbie Jones and the Class Gift has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Herbie Jones and the Class Gift?
Herbie Jones and the Class Gift has an AR reading level of 3.5, 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.