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Never Swipe a Bully's Bear book cover

Never Swipe a Bully's Bear

by Katherine Applegate

HarperCollins Publishers 2016

Great fit for 3rd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

3rd grade English
96
Pages
1
AR Points
56m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • bullying
  • empathy
  • friendship
  • honesty
  • choices and consequences
  • problem-solving
  • school life

About this book

Roscoe Riley means well, but his fixes sometimes cause bigger messes. When a class bully’s beloved bear becomes part of a playground problem, Roscoe makes a choice that tests his sense of right and wrong. Told in Roscoe’s funny, honest voice, this quick chapter book explores bullying, empathy, and making amends. Perfect for newly independent readers who enjoy school stories with plenty of humor and heart.

Setting: a contemporary elementary school and neighborhood

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Never Swipe a Bully's Bear right for my child?

Yes — Never Swipe a Bully's Bear is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.1, which is typical for 3rd 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 bullying, empathy, friendship.

How long does it take to read Never Swipe a Bully's Bear?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Never Swipe a Bully's Bear takes around 56m to finish. The book has 7,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Never Swipe a Bully's Bear have an AR quiz?

Yes — Never Swipe a Bully's Bear has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Never Swipe a Bully's Bear?

Never Swipe a Bully's Bear has an AR reading level of 3.1, which places it at a 3rd 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.