Charlotte's Web
by E.B. White
- Lexile
- 680L
- Grade range
- Grades 3–5
- Age range
- Ages 8–11
- Pages
- 184
- First published
- 1952
- Genre
- Children's Fiction
- ISBN-13
- 9780064400558
About this book
Wilbur, a runt pig saved from slaughter by young Fern Arable, is sent to her uncle's farm where he befriends a writing spider named Charlotte. White's novel is the canonical 3rd-4th grade chapter-book read-aloud in American elementary schools and a Common Core grade 3-5 exemplar.
Themes
- friendship
- mortality
- loyalty
- seasons and change
- growing up
Content notes
- death of a beloved character
Common Sense Media recommends age 7+.
Where this book is assigned
Common Core State Standards (ELA)
- recommended· 3rd gradesource: CCSS ELA Appendix B, grades 2-3 exemplar
- recommended· 3rd grade · New Yorksource: NY common summer-reading list — rising 3rd grade
- recommended· 3rd grade · New Yorksource: NY Next Gen Learning Standards grade 3 read-aloud text
- recommended· 4th grade · Californiasource: CA CCSS ELA grade 4 frequently read text
Similar grade-level books
Common questions
- What grade level is Charlotte's Web?
- Charlotte's Web is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 3–5, with a Lexile measure of 680L. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.
- What is the Lexile level of Charlotte's Web?
- Charlotte's Web has a Lexile measure of 680L according to MetaMetrics. Lexile measures text complexity, not content maturity — check the grade range and content notes separately for age-appropriateness.
- What curricula assign Charlotte's Web?
- Charlotte's Web appears on reading lists for Common Core State Standards (ELA). Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.
- Is Charlotte's Web banned in schools?
- Charlotte's Web does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.
- What themes does Charlotte's Web explore?
- Central themes in Charlotte's Web include friendship, mortality, loyalty, seasons and change, growing up. These themes match how the book is discussed in most curriculum guides and AP Literature prompts.