Tricking the Tallyman
by Davies, Jacqueline
Alfred A. Knopf 2008
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- community
- civics and government
- honesty and fairness
- consequences of deception
- problem-solving
- cooperation
- humor
- early American history
About this book
Set in a small Vermont town during the first U.S. census, a wary community tries to outsmart the tallyman sent to count them. Fearing taxes or soldiers, the townspeople scheme—first to be undercounted, then to be overcounted—while the clever tallyman keeps his cool. With humor and lively illustrations, the story gently introduces what a census is and why it matters. It’s a fun read-aloud for early elementary students and a great tie-in to history and civics.
Setting: rural Vermont, 1790 (first U.S. census)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tricking the Tallyman right for my child?
Yes — Tricking the Tallyman is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.9, 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 community, civics and government, honesty and fairness.
How long does it take to read Tricking the Tallyman?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Tricking the Tallyman takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,300 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tricking the Tallyman have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tricking the Tallyman 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 Tricking the Tallyman?
Tricking the Tallyman has an AR reading level of 3.9, 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.