Herbie Jones and the monster ball
by Suzy Kline
Putnam 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
- school life
- self-confidence
- problem-solving
- empathy
- humor
- responsibility
About this book
Third-grader Herbie Jones is excited—and a little nervous—when his class plans a Monster Ball, complete with costumes, music, and plenty of chances for mix-ups. As plans grow bigger, Herbie has to juggle friendships, feelings, and a few comic disasters at school. This light, relatable chapter book is perfect for early independent readers who enjoy school stories with humor and heart. Kids love Herbie’s everyday dilemmas, fast-paced chapters, and the warm, funny look at grade-school life.
Setting: elementary school and neighborhood during the Halloween season
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herbie Jones and the monster ball right for my child?
Yes — Herbie Jones and the monster ball 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, school life, self-confidence.
How long does it take to read Herbie Jones and the monster ball?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Herbie Jones and the monster ball takes around 1.9h to finish. The book has 15,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Herbie Jones and the monster ball have an AR quiz?
Yes — Herbie Jones and the monster ball 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 monster ball?
Herbie Jones and the monster ball 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.