Side by side
by Belén Garrido
Harcourt School 2002
Great fit for Kindergarten
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- cooperation
- community
- kindness
- teamwork
- inclusion
About this book
This early reader follows children working and playing side by side as they learn how cooperation and kindness make everyday tasks easier. Simple, repetitive text and clear illustrations support new readers building confidence. It’s a gentle story about being good neighbors and friends. Ideal for kindergarten and first graders just starting to read independently.
Setting: a friendly neighborhood and school day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Side by side right for my child?
Yes — Side by side is a great fit for Kindergarten. The reading level is AR 0.9, 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 friendship, cooperation, community.
How long does it take to read Side by side?
At a typical Kindergarten reading pace, Side by side takes around 7m to finish. The book has 300 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Side by side have an AR quiz?
Yes — Side by side 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 Side by side?
Side by side has an AR reading level of 0.9, 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.