Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys
by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 2000
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- education
- perseverance
- gender roles and equality
- family support
- courage
- hope
- historical change
- empowerment
About this book
Set just after the Civil War, this picture book follows determined young Virgie, who longs to attend the distant school her brothers walk to each week. With gentle storytelling and rich watercolor art, readers see how family support and a love of learning can open doors. It’s a warm, empowering tale for kids ready for historical stories with strong girl protagonists. Perfect for discussions about perseverance, fairness, and the importance of education.
Setting: rural American South (Reconstruction era, late 19th century)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys right for my child?
Yes — Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.3, 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 education, perseverance, gender roles and equality.
How long does it take to read Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys have an AR quiz?
Yes — Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys 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 Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys?
Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys has an AR reading level of 3.3, 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.