Miss Nelson Has a Field Day
by Harry Allard, James Marshall
Scholastic Inc. 1985
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- perseverance
- sportsmanship
- school life
- discipline
- respect for authority
- confidence
- problem-solving
About this book
The kids at Horace B. Smedley face a big problem: their football team can’t win a game, and school spirit is at an all-time low. When a no-nonsense substitute coach shows up, practice gets serious and the team starts to believe in itself. With James Marshall’s playful art and Harry Allard’s witty storytelling, this school-and-sports tale delivers laughs and a pep talk about effort. Perfect for young readers who enjoy humorous picture books and stories about teamwork.
Setting: an elementary school and its football field in a small town
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Miss Nelson Has a Field Day right for my child?
Yes — Miss Nelson Has a Field Day is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.9, which is typical for 2nd 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 teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship.
How long does it take to read Miss Nelson Has a Field Day?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Miss Nelson Has a Field Day takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Miss Nelson Has a Field Day have an AR quiz?
Yes — Miss Nelson Has a Field Day 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 Miss Nelson Has a Field Day?
Miss Nelson Has a Field Day has an AR reading level of 2.9, which places it at a 2nd 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.