Mutt dog!
by Stephen Michael King
Scholastic Press 2004
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- belonging
- kindness
- empathy
- animal rescue
- home and family
- perseverance
- hope
- identity
About this book
A scruffy stray dog survives on the city streets, dodging dangers and searching for a place that feels safe. One day he stumbles into a warm, welcoming spot where patience and kindness help him begin to trust. With spare text and expressive watercolor art, this picture book gently explores belonging and the bond between people and pets. Perfect for read‑alouds with young children who love animal stories and uplifting endings.
Setting: urban streets and an animal shelter, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mutt dog! right for my child?
Yes — Mutt dog! is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.9, 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 belonging, kindness, empathy.
How long does it take to read Mutt dog!?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Mutt dog! takes around 6m to finish. The book has 500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mutt dog! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mutt dog! 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 Mutt dog!?
Mutt dog! has an AR reading level of 1.9, 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.