Robert and the attack of the giant tarantula
by Barbara Seuling
Scholastic 2001
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- facing fears
- friendship
- school life
- imagination
- problem-solving
- responsibility
- humor
About this book
When Robert’s class gets caught up in a scare about a giant tarantula, his imagination runs wild—and everyday problems suddenly feel larger than life. With plenty of school mishaps and laugh-out-loud moments, Robert has to find his courage and figure out what’s real and what’s just a creepy-crawly rumor. Short chapters, humor, and familiar school situations make this a great choice for newly independent readers. Kids enjoy Robert’s relatable worries, the fast pace, and the silly surprises along the way.
Setting: contemporary elementary school and neighborhood
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Robert and the attack of the giant tarantula right for my child?
Yes — Robert and the attack of the giant tarantula is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.3, 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 facing fears, friendship, school life.
How long does it take to read Robert and the attack of the giant tarantula?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Robert and the attack of the giant tarantula takes around 48m to finish. The book has 6,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Robert and the attack of the giant tarantula have an AR quiz?
Yes — Robert and the attack of the giant tarantula has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Robert and the attack of the giant tarantula?
Robert and the attack of the giant tarantula has an AR reading level of 3.3, 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.