How a House Is Built (New & Updated)
by Gail Gibbons
National Geographic Books 2020
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
- architecture
- engineering
- community helpers
- teamwork
- problem-solving
- careers
- how things work
- home and family
About this book
This clear, step-by-step picture book shows how a wood-frame house comes together—from the architect’s plans to the finishing touches and a family moving in. Gail Gibbons explains each stage with simple text and bright, labeled illustrations that make complex ideas easy to understand. Kids meet real-world helpers like carpenters, plumbers, and electricians and see how everyone works as a team. Perfect for curious builders and truck lovers in the early grades.
Setting: a contemporary home construction site
Frequently Asked Questions
Is How a House Is Built (New & Updated) right for my child?
Yes — How a House Is Built (New & Updated) is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.8, 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 architecture, engineering, community helpers.
How long does it take to read How a House Is Built (New & Updated)?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, How a House Is Built (New & Updated) takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does How a House Is Built (New & Updated) have an AR quiz?
Yes — How a House Is Built (New & Updated) has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 How a House Is Built (New & Updated)?
How a House Is Built (New & Updated) has an AR reading level of 3.8, 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.