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Teacher's Pet book cover

Teacher's Pet

by Johanna Hurwitz

HarperCollins Publishers 1924

★★★★★

Great fit for 3rd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

3rd grade English
116
Pages
2
AR Points
2.2h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • friendship
  • school life
  • responsibility
  • jealousy and empathy
  • fitting in
  • self-discovery
  • pets and animals

About this book

In this humorous school story, a lively elementary class learns what it really means to be a teacher’s pet. As classmates try to impress their teacher, friendships are tested and responsibilities—especially for caring for a class animal—come into play. Readers see how small choices in the classroom can have big feelings attached, from jealousy to pride. It’s a warm, relatable read for kids who enjoy everyday adventures and school-life drama.

Setting: a contemporary urban elementary school classroom (New York City neighborhood)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Teacher's Pet right for my child?

Yes — Teacher's Pet is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.7, 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 friendship, school life, responsibility.

How long does it take to read Teacher's Pet?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Teacher's Pet takes around 2.2h to finish. The book has 17,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Teacher's Pet have an AR quiz?

Yes — Teacher's Pet 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 Teacher's Pet?

Teacher's Pet has an AR reading level of 3.7, 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.