I Brought My Rat for Show-and-Tell
And Other Funny School Poems
by Joan Horton
Penguin 2004
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- school life
- humor
- friendship
- bullying
- courage
- self-expression
- classroom antics
- confidence
About this book
This lively poetry collection captures the ups and downs of elementary school with big laughs and a few gentle lessons. From daring show-and-tell choices to dealing with classroom bullies, each poem is quick, clever, and easy to read aloud. Perfect for early readers and reluctant readers alike, the humor and school-day situations feel instantly familiar. Kids enjoy the punchy rhymes, surprising twists, and the feeling that someone really understands what school is like.
Setting: a contemporary elementary school and classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is I Brought My Rat for Show-and-Tell right for my child?
Yes — I Brought My Rat for Show-and-Tell 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 school life, humor, friendship.
How long does it take to read I Brought My Rat for Show-and-Tell?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, I Brought My Rat for Show-and-Tell takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does I Brought My Rat for Show-and-Tell have an AR quiz?
Yes — I Brought My Rat for Show-and-Tell 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 I Brought My Rat for Show-and-Tell?
I Brought My Rat for Show-and-Tell 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.