Nate the Great and the Lost List
by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, Craig Sharmat
Yearling 1975
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- problem-solving
- observation and details
- responsibility
- friendship
- perseverance
- community
About this book
When a friend’s important list goes missing, Nate the Great and his trusty dog Sludge follow a trail of everyday clues through the neighborhood to track it down. Short chapters, plenty of illustrations, and Nate’s clear, logical thinking make this a confidence-building first mystery for new readers. Kids enjoy the gentle humor, familiar settings like the grocery store, and the satisfaction of solving a puzzle alongside a kid detective. Perfect for grades 1–3 who like simple, step-by-step sleuthing.
Setting: a small-town neighborhood and grocery store, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nate the Great and the Lost List right for my child?
Yes — Nate the Great and the Lost List is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.1, 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 problem-solving, observation and details, responsibility.
How long does it take to read Nate the Great and the Lost List?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Nate the Great and the Lost List takes around 13m to finish. The book has 1,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Nate the Great and the Lost List have an AR quiz?
Yes — Nate the Great and the Lost List 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 Nate the Great and the Lost List?
Nate the Great and the Lost List has an AR reading level of 2.1, 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.