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Percy Gets Upset book cover

Percy Gets Upset

by Stuart J. Murphy

Charlesbridge 2011

Great fit for 1st grade

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

1st grade English Juvenile Fiction
35
Pages
0.5
AR Points
4m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • emotional regulation
  • anger management
  • family support
  • coping strategies
  • mindfulness
  • problem-solving
  • empathy
  • social-emotional learning

About this book

Percy Gets Upset follows a young boy who feels mad when everyday problems pop up, and shows how his parents help him calm down. With simple language and clear visuals, the story models kid-friendly strategies like taking deep breaths, counting, and talking it out. It’s ideal for preschool and early elementary readers learning to name feelings and practice self-regulation. Families and teachers appreciate the gentle tone, diverse situations, and practical tips that children can try right away.

Setting: contemporary family home and everyday places

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Percy Gets Upset right for my child?

Yes — Percy Gets Upset is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.2, 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 emotional regulation, anger management, family support.

How long does it take to read Percy Gets Upset?

At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Percy Gets Upset takes around 4m to finish. The book has 350 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Percy Gets Upset have an AR quiz?

Yes — Percy Gets Upset 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 Percy Gets Upset?

Percy Gets Upset has an AR reading level of 1.2, 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.