Hey kid, want to buy a bridge
by Jon Scieszka
Viking 2002
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.9 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- ingenuity
- problem-solving
- time travel
- humor
- teamwork
- perseverance
- history and technology
About this book
When Joe, Sam, and Fred open their mysterious book, they’re whisked back to old New York at the time the Brooklyn Bridge is being built. The boys have to dodge swindlers, find their way through bustling city streets, and figure out how to get home. Fast-paced chapters, jokes, and history tidbits make this a fun pick for fans of adventure and humor. Great for grades 3–5 and especially engaging for reluctant readers.
Setting: New York City and Brooklyn, late 1800s during the building of the Brooklyn Bridge
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hey kid, want to buy a bridge right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Hey kid, want to buy a bridge. The reading level is AR 3.9, which is typical for 3rd 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, ingenuity, problem-solving.
How long does it take to read Hey kid, want to buy a bridge?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Hey kid, want to buy a bridge takes around 1.1h to finish. The book has 8,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hey kid, want to buy a bridge have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hey kid, want to buy a bridge 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 Hey kid, want to buy a bridge?
Hey kid, want to buy a bridge has an AR reading level of 3.9, which places it at a 3rd 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.