That pesky rat
by Lauren Child
Orchard Books 2015
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- belonging
- identity
- kindness
- empathy
- adoption and home
- pets and responsibility
- self-worth
- friendship
About this book
A scruffy brown rat dreams of being a proper pet with a name, a collar, and someone to care for him. He visits the pet shop and compares himself with the lucky cats, dogs, and hamsters before posting a notice to find a home. With humor and heart, the story shows how the right match can make anyone feel special. Perfect for early elementary readers, it delights kids with funny details and an endearing narrator.
Setting: a bustling city neighborhood and a local pet shop
Frequently Asked Questions
Is That pesky rat right for my child?
Yes — That pesky rat is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.9, which is typical for 2nd 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 belonging, identity, kindness.
How long does it take to read That pesky rat?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, That pesky rat takes around 8m to finish. The book has 950 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does That pesky rat have an AR quiz?
Yes — That pesky rat 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 That pesky rat?
That pesky rat has an AR reading level of 2.9, which places it at a 2nd 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.