Just Like Dad
by Mercer Mayer
National Geographic Books 2020
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family love
- role models
- growing up
- admiration
- everyday life
- parent-child bond
About this book
Little Critter can’t wait to grow up and do everything his dad does—gardening, fixing things, driving, and going to work. With cozy scenes and gentle humor, this Little Golden Book celebrates the special bond between fathers and children. The simple text and expressive illustrations are perfect for read-alouds with preschoolers and early readers. A sweet pick for Father’s Day or any day you want a warm, reassuring story about family.
Setting: contemporary home and neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Just Like Dad right for my child?
Yes — Just Like Dad is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.4, 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 family love, role models, growing up.
How long does it take to read Just Like Dad?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Just Like Dad takes around 4m to finish. The book has 350 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Just Like Dad have an AR quiz?
Yes — Just Like Dad 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 Just Like Dad?
Just Like Dad has an AR reading level of 1.4, 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.