Up Verses Down
Poems, Paintings, and Serious Nonsense
by Calef Brown
Henry Holt and Company (BYR) 2019
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- imagination
- wordplay
- humor
- creativity
- individuality
- nonsense and absurdity
- rhythm and sound
- observation of everyday life
About this book
This playful collection of short, rhyming poems pairs Calef Brown’s signature wordplay with bold, humorous paintings. Kids meet a parade of quirky characters and delight in tongue-twisters, puns, and sounds that beg to be read aloud. It’s a great pick for emerging readers and families who enjoy lively, laugh-out-loud poetry time. Perfect for grades 1–4, it encourages a love of language and creativity.
Setting: whimsical, contemporary and imagined scenes across varied, playful worlds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Up Verses Down right for my child?
Yes — Up Verses Down is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.8, 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 imagination, wordplay, humor.
How long does it take to read Up Verses Down?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Up Verses Down takes around 15m to finish. The book has 2,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Up Verses Down have an AR quiz?
Yes — Up Verses Down 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 Up Verses Down?
Up Verses Down has an AR reading level of 3.8, 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.