Skip to main content
The AR Booklist
Pingo book cover

Pingo

Volume 1

by Brandon Mull

2009

Great fit for 3rd grade

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

3rd grade English Friendship
0.5
AR Points
8m
Read time
AR Quiz Available
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop.org

Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.

Learn more about Accelerated Reading →

Genre

Fantasy

Themes

  • friendship
  • imagination
  • peer pressure
  • self-acceptance
  • growing up
  • individuality
  • loyalty
  • humor

About this book

Chad loves playing with his wild and witty imaginary friend, Pingo—until classmates tease him for it. When Chad decides it’s time to say goodbye, Pingo refuses to disappear, turning their friendship into a hilarious battle of wills. This playful picture book celebrates big imaginations and the courage to be yourself. It’s perfect for younger readers who enjoy humor, friendship stories, and lively art.

Setting: contemporary home and the boundless world of a child’s imagination

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pingo right for my child?

Yes — Pingo is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.2, 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 friendship, imagination, peer pressure.

How long does it take to read Pingo?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Pingo takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,050 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Pingo have an AR quiz?

Yes — Pingo 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 Pingo?

Pingo has an AR reading level of 3.2, 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.