We'll race you, Henry
by Mitchell, Barbara
Carolrhoda Books 1986
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- innovation
- perseverance
- curiosity
- problem-solving
- entrepreneurship
- technology and progress
- dreams and ambition
About this book
This early-reader biography follows Henry Ford from a curious farm kid who loved taking things apart to a determined inventor who built a faster, sturdier car. Short chapters and lively illustrations highlight his tinkering spirit, first experiments, and the races that helped prove his ideas. It’s written for young readers ready for longer picture-book nonfiction, making big ideas about inventing and perseverance easy to grasp. Kids who like cars, building, and true stories of problem-solvers will be hooked.
Setting: Michigan farms and Detroit, late 1800s to early 1900s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is We'll race you, Henry right for my child?
Yes — We'll race you, Henry is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.6, 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 innovation, perseverance, curiosity.
How long does it take to read We'll race you, Henry?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, We'll race you, Henry takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does We'll race you, Henry have an AR quiz?
Yes — We'll race you, Henry 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 We'll race you, Henry?
We'll race you, Henry has an AR reading level of 3.6, 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.