Herbie Jones and the dark attic
by Suzy Kline
Scholastic Inc. 1992
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- facing fears
- courage
- family support
- self-confidence
- school life
About this book
Herbie Jones is sure he’s brave—until a trip to the family’s dark attic makes him wonder. With the help of his best friend and some creative problem-solving, Herbie sets out to face his fears and prove to himself he can handle the shadows and surprises up there. School mishaps and family moments keep things lively and funny along the way. This early chapter book is perfect for young readers who enjoy realistic school stories with humor and heart.
Setting: contemporary suburban neighborhood and elementary school, much of the action in the family attic
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herbie Jones and the dark attic right for my child?
Yes — Herbie Jones and the dark attic 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 friendship, facing fears, courage.
How long does it take to read Herbie Jones and the dark attic?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Herbie Jones and the dark attic takes around 1.7h to finish. The book has 14,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Herbie Jones and the dark attic have an AR quiz?
Yes — Herbie Jones and the dark attic has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Herbie Jones and the dark attic?
Herbie Jones and the dark attic 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.