Rick is sick
by David M. McPhail
Harcourt 2004
Great fit for Kindergarten
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- illness and recovery
- family support
- empathy
- self-care
- comfort
- friendship
- phonics and wordplay
About this book
Rick wakes up not feeling well and spends the day resting at home. With simple, repeating text and warm illustrations by David McPhail, this early reader gently shows what a sick day looks like and how care and comfort help you feel better. The playful focus on -ick words supports new readers building confidence and fluency. Perfect for kindergarteners and first graders ready to read short sentences on their own.
Setting: a child’s home on a sick day, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rick is sick right for my child?
Yes — Rick is sick is a great fit for Kindergarten. The reading level is AR 0.6, which is typical for Kindergarten. 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 illness and recovery, family support, empathy.
How long does it take to read Rick is sick?
At a typical Kindergarten reading pace, Rick is sick takes around 3m to finish. The book has 150 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Rick is sick have an AR quiz?
Yes — Rick is sick 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 Rick is sick?
Rick is sick has an AR reading level of 0.6, which places it at a Kindergarten 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.