Hey, new kid!
by Betsy Duffey
Viking 1996
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- fitting in
- identity
- honesty
- friendship
- self-acceptance
- peer pressure
- moving to a new school
About this book
When a boy starts at a new school, he tries to impress his classmates by reinventing himself with bigger and bolder stories each day. The attention feels great—until keeping up the act gets complicated. With humor and heart, the story explores what it really means to fit in and be yourself. Perfect for readers in grades 2–4 who enjoy school stories and quick, funny chapters.
Setting: a suburban elementary school in the present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hey, new kid! right for my child?
Yes — Hey, new kid! is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.6, 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 fitting in, identity, honesty.
How long does it take to read Hey, new kid!?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Hey, new kid! takes around 1.6h to finish. The book has 13,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hey, new kid! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hey, new kid! 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 Hey, new kid!?
Hey, new kid! has an AR reading level of 3.6, 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.