Starting School
Morrow Junior Books 2001
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- first-day jitters
- friendship
- growing confidence
- family support
- school routines
- problem-solving
- empathy
About this book
This warm, realistic chapter book follows a group of kids through the ups and downs of their first days of school—meeting the teacher, finding their classrooms, riding the bus, and making new friends. Johanna Hurwitz gently captures the worries and small triumphs that feel so big when you’re just starting out. Short, friendly chapters and familiar situations make it a reassuring choice for young readers moving into elementary school. Kids enjoy the humor, relatable characters, and the sense that school quickly becomes a place they can belong.
Setting: a contemporary elementary school and neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Starting School right for my child?
Yes — Starting School is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.5, 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 first-day jitters, friendship, growing confidence.
How long does it take to read Starting School?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Starting School takes around 1.7h to finish. The book has 14,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Starting School have an AR quiz?
Yes — Starting School has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Starting School?
Starting School has an AR reading level of 3.5, 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.