Nergal and the Great Space Race (First Graders from Mars, Episode 3)
by Shana Corey
Scholastic Paperbacks 2002
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- competition
- sportsmanship
- perseverance
- self-confidence
- friendship
- ingenuity
- school life
- humor
About this book
First-grader Nergal is gearing up for the big space race on Mars, and the pressure to zoom past the competition feels huge. As he preps his ride and faces a field of fast classmates, he discovers that brains, practice, and good sportsmanship can outshine pure speed. The playful alien school setting, zippy race-day excitement, and bright, humorous art make this a fun pick for new readers. Great for kids who love outer space stories, school humor, and cheering for the underdog.
Setting: a first-grade classroom and race course on Mars in a light, humorous sci‑fi world
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nergal and the Great Space Race (First Graders from Mars, Episode 3) right for my child?
Yes — Nergal and the Great Space Race (First Graders from Mars, Episode 3) is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.8, 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 competition, sportsmanship, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Nergal and the Great Space Race (First Graders from Mars, Episode 3)?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Nergal and the Great Space Race (First Graders from Mars, Episode 3) takes around 8m to finish. The book has 980 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Nergal and the Great Space Race (First Graders from Mars, Episode 3) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Nergal and the Great Space Race (First Graders from Mars, Episode 3) 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 Nergal and the Great Space Race (First Graders from Mars, Episode 3)?
Nergal and the Great Space Race (First Graders from Mars, Episode 3) has an AR reading level of 2.8, 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.