Horrible Harry and the Ant Invasion (Horrible Harry)
by Suzy Kline
Penguin USA, Inc. 2009
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- school life
- mischief and pranks
- teamwork
- problem-solving
- empathy
- responsibility
About this book
Second-grader Doug narrates the everyday adventures of his classmate Horrible Harry, whose big ideas sometimes lead to big trouble—especially when an ant farm takes over Room 2B. From class projects to recess drama, the friends learn about insects, teamwork, and how to handle mishaps with humor. Short chapters, lively school situations, and plenty of laughs make this a favorite for new chapter-book readers. Perfect for kids moving up from easy readers who enjoy funny, realistic classroom stories.
Setting: Room 2B in a suburban elementary school, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Horrible Harry and the Ant Invasion (Horrible Harry) right for my child?
Yes — Horrible Harry and the Ant Invasion (Horrible Harry) is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.1, 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, mischief and pranks.
How long does it take to read Horrible Harry and the Ant Invasion (Horrible Harry)?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Horrible Harry and the Ant Invasion (Horrible Harry) takes around 32m to finish. The book has 4,300 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Horrible Harry and the Ant Invasion (Horrible Harry) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Horrible Harry and the Ant Invasion (Horrible Harry) 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 Horrible Harry and the Ant Invasion (Horrible Harry)?
Horrible Harry and the Ant Invasion (Horrible Harry) has an AR reading level of 3.1, 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.