Race Day
by Gail Tuchman
National Geographic Soc Childrens books 2010
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- racing
- teamwork
- technology
- sportsmanship
- problem-solving
- perseverance
- following rules
- speed
About this book
Zoom onto the track with bright photos and simple text that show what happens during a real car race—start your engines, pit stops, and the checkered flag. Young readers see drivers, crews, and fast machines at work, learning key vocabulary along the way. Perfect for kids who love cars and action, this National Geographic early reader builds confidence with short sentences and exciting visuals. A great pick for emerging readers in kindergarten through grade 2.
Setting: a modern auto racetrack during a car race
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Race Day right for my child?
Yes — Race Day is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.3, 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 racing, teamwork, technology.
How long does it take to read Race Day?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Race Day takes around 3m to finish. The book has 220 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Race Day have an AR quiz?
Yes — Race Day 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 Race Day?
Race Day has an AR reading level of 1.3, 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.