What did you do today?
by Kerry Arquette
Harcourt 2002
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- school routines
- first-day jitters
- independence
- parent–child communication
- confidence
- belonging
- curiosity
About this book
This cheerful picture book follows a young child through a busy day at school—painting, counting, reading, and playground fun—then home again. When a caregiver asks, “What did you do today?”, the answer is a familiar “Nothing,” while the lively illustrations reveal just how much happened. It’s a warm, reassuring look at classroom routines that helps new students know what to expect. Kids enjoy the playful tone, recognizable experiences, and the wink of humor in saying ‘nothing’ after a very full day.
Setting: a contemporary kindergarten/early elementary classroom and home
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is What did you do today? right for my child?
Yes — What did you do today? is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.9, which is typical for 1st 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 school routines, first-day jitters, independence.
How long does it take to read What did you do today??
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, What did you do today? takes around 5m to finish. The book has 400 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does What did you do today? have an AR quiz?
Yes — What did you do today? 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 What did you do today??
What did you do today? has an AR reading level of 1.9, which places it at a 1st 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.