I Got a New Friend
by Karl Edwards
Knopf Books for Young Readers 2017
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- responsibility
- pet care
- empathy
- new beginnings
- trust
- family
- patience
About this book
A young girl brings home a new puppy, and the two learn about each other as they share food, playtime, and daily routines. Simple, rhythmic text and expressive illustrations show how trust and friendship grow one small moment at a time. Perfect for new pet owners and emerging readers, it highlights gentle responsibility without being preachy. Kids enjoy the sweet humor and the warm, relatable bond between a child and her dog.
Setting: contemporary home and neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is I Got a New Friend right for my child?
Yes — I Got a New Friend is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1, which is typical for 1st 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, responsibility, pet care.
How long does it take to read I Got a New Friend?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, I Got a New Friend takes around 3m to finish. The book has 220 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does I Got a New Friend have an AR quiz?
Yes — I Got a New Friend 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 Got a New Friend?
I Got a New Friend has an AR reading level of 1, which places it at a 1st 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.