The Bathwater Gang
Hachette+ORM 2014
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- rivalry
- teamwork
- gender roles and expectations
- problem-solving
- empathy
- community
- humor
About this book
Bertie leads an all-girl neighborhood gang that finds itself in a playful rivalry with an all-boy gang across the street. What starts as harmless pranks turns into a tug-of-war over pride and playground territory. With plenty of humor and kid-size drama, the story explores how competition can turn into cooperation. A warm adult presence helps the kids find a solution that keeps the fun—and the friendships—intact.
Setting: a contemporary suburban neighborhood and elementary-school playground
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Bathwater Gang right for my child?
Yes — The Bathwater Gang 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 friendship, rivalry, teamwork.
How long does it take to read The Bathwater Gang?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, The Bathwater Gang takes around 1.0h to finish. The book has 8,400 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Bathwater Gang have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Bathwater Gang 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 The Bathwater Gang?
The Bathwater Gang 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.