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Up and Down on the Merry-Go-Round book cover

Up and Down on the Merry-Go-Round

by Bill Martin, John Archambault

Macmillan 1991

Great fit for 2nd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

2nd grade English Juvenile Fiction
36
Pages
0.5
AR Points
3m
Read time
AR Quiz Available
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Genre

Picture Book; Poetry/Rhyme

Themes

  • rhythm and rhyme
  • joy of play
  • motion and movement
  • community and togetherness
  • senses and sound
  • amusement parks and carousels

About this book

A rhythmic, rhyming picture book in which children share the sights, sounds, and joyful motion of riding a merry-go-round at a park or fair.

Setting: A lively carousel at a park or fair, filled with music, lights, and colorful animals

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Up and Down on the Merry-Go-Round right for my child?

Yes — Up and Down on the Merry-Go-Round is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.4, which is typical for 2nd 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 rhythm and rhyme, joy of play, motion and movement.

How long does it take to read Up and Down on the Merry-Go-Round?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Up and Down on the Merry-Go-Round takes around 3m to finish. The book has 414 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Up and Down on the Merry-Go-Round have an AR quiz?

Yes — Up and Down on the Merry-Go-Round 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 and Down on the Merry-Go-Round?

Up and Down on the Merry-Go-Round has an AR reading level of 2.4, which places it at a 2nd 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.