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I was a third grade bodyguard book cover

I was a third grade bodyguard

by Mary Jane Auch

Holiday House 2003

Great fit for 3rd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

3rd grade English
73
Pages
1
AR Points
59m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • friendship
  • bullying
  • standing up for others
  • responsibility
  • empathy
  • problem-solving
  • school life
  • courage

About this book

When a third-grader jokingly agrees to be a classmate’s “bodyguard,” he discovers the job is harder than it sounds. Navigating recess drama, a pushy bully, and classroom mix-ups, he learns what it really means to stand up for someone. The story is fast, funny, and full of school-day mishaps kids recognize. Perfect for new chapter-book readers who like humor with a heart.

Setting: a contemporary suburban elementary school

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is I was a third grade bodyguard right for my child?

Yes — I was a third grade bodyguard 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 friendship, bullying, standing up for others.

How long does it take to read I was a third grade bodyguard?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, I was a third grade bodyguard takes around 59m to finish. The book has 8,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does I was a third grade bodyguard have an AR quiz?

Yes — I was a third grade bodyguard 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 I was a third grade bodyguard?

I was a third grade bodyguard 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.