The Candy Corn Contest
Delacorte Books for Young Readers 1986
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- honesty and integrity
- temptation and self-control
- consequences
- friendship and classmates
- school life
- responsibility
- problem-solving
About this book
In Ms. Rooney’s second-grade class, a jar full of candy corn sparks a guessing contest everyone wants to win—especially Richard Best. But when temptation gets the better of him and a few candies go missing, Richard has to figure out how to make things right. Funny classroom moments, relatable worries, and a gentle lesson about honesty keep young readers turning pages. Perfect for early chapter book readers who enjoy school stories with humor and heart.
Setting: a second-grade classroom at Polk Street School, suburban United States, contemporary 1980s
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Candy Corn Contest right for my child?
Yes — The Candy Corn Contest is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.7, 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 honesty and integrity, temptation and self-control, consequences.
How long does it take to read The Candy Corn Contest?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, The Candy Corn Contest takes around 1.1h to finish. The book has 8,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Candy Corn Contest have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Candy Corn Contest 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 Candy Corn Contest?
The Candy Corn Contest has an AR reading level of 2.7, 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.