My Friend Ben Won't Share
by Charles Beyl
Albert Whitman & Company 2021
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- sharing
- conflict resolution
- empathy
- apology and forgiveness
- problem-solving
- communication
- emotional regulation
About this book
Best friends Chip and Ben do everything together—until a struggle over a favorite dump truck leads to a broken toy and hurt feelings. With simple text and bright, expressive art, this picture book models how young children can share, take turns, and make amends after a disagreement. Ideal for preschool through early elementary, it opens gentle conversations about empathy and fixing mistakes. Kids will recognize their own playtime challenges and enjoy the warm humor along the way.
Setting: contemporary home and playground
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Friend Ben Won't Share right for my child?
Yes — My Friend Ben Won't Share is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.8, 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, sharing, conflict resolution.
How long does it take to read My Friend Ben Won't Share?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, My Friend Ben Won't Share takes around 7m to finish. The book has 550 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My Friend Ben Won't Share have an AR quiz?
Yes — My Friend Ben Won't Share 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 My Friend Ben Won't Share?
My Friend Ben Won't Share has an AR reading level of 1.8, 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.