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No fair! book cover

No fair!

by Caren Holtzman

Scholastic 1997

Great fit for 1st grade

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

1st grade English
0.5
AR Points
4m
Read time
AR Quiz Available
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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • fairness
  • sharing
  • friendship
  • sportsmanship
  • problem-solving
  • empathy

About this book

This early reader follows a child who keeps hearing and saying the familiar cry, “No fair!” when turns, treats, and games don’t feel equal. Through simple text and everyday school and playground situations, the story explores what fairness really looks like. Young readers see how taking turns, sharing, and using clear rules can help everyone have a good time. A great pick for K–2 students learning about cooperation and problem-solving.

Setting: elementary school classroom and playground

Frequently Asked Questions

Is No fair! right for my child?

Yes — No fair! is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.1, 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 fairness, sharing, friendship.

How long does it take to read No fair!?

At a typical 1st grade reading pace, No fair! takes around 4m to finish. The book has 300 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does No fair! have an AR quiz?

Yes — No fair! 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 No fair!?

No fair! has an AR reading level of 1.1, 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.