The Kid in the Red Jacket
by Barbara Park
Random House Childrens Books 1987
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.9 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- adjusting to change
- loneliness
- belonging
- empathy
- family
- community
- humor in everyday life
About this book
When Howard Jeeter’s family moves across the country, he’s sure life can’t get any worse—until the only person who wants to hang out with him is a talkative six-year-old neighbor. As Howard navigates a new school and a new town, unexpected friendship begins to make everything feel a little less lonely. With Barbara Park’s signature humor and heart, this story captures the awkward, funny, and tender moments of starting over. Perfect for readers who like realistic stories about fitting in and finding your people.
Setting: a suburban neighborhood, contemporary (1980s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Kid in the Red Jacket right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Kid in the Red Jacket. The reading level is AR 3.9, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, adjusting to change, loneliness.
How long does it take to read The Kid in the Red Jacket?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, The Kid in the Red Jacket takes around 2.7h to finish. The book has 22,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Kid in the Red Jacket have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Kid in the Red Jacket has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 The Kid in the Red Jacket?
The Kid in the Red Jacket has an AR reading level of 3.9, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.