The Cricket in Times Square

About this book

A country cricket named Chester lands in a Times Square subway station and befriends a mouse, a cat, and a boy who runs a failing newsstand. Selden's Newbery Honor novel appears on state-recommended 3rd-5th grade reading lists.

Where this book is assigned

• Common Core State Standards (ELA)

  • recommended· 3rd gradesource: CCSS ELA Appendix B, grades 2-3 Newbery Honor
  • recommended· 3rd grade · New Yorksource: NY Next Gen Standards — NYC-set novel

Similar grade-level books

• 
  Matilda
  Roald Dahl · 840L
• 
  Charlotte's Web
  E.B. White · 680L
• 
  The BFG
  Roald Dahl · 720L
• 
  Bridge to Terabithia
  Katherine Paterson · 810L

Common questions

What grade level is The Cricket in Times Square?

The Cricket in Times Square is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 3–5, with a Lexile measure of 780L. 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 The Cricket in Times Square?

The Cricket in Times Square has a Lexile measure of 780L according to MetaMetrics. Lexile measures text complexity, not content maturity — check the grade range and content notes separately for age-appropriateness.

What curricula assign The Cricket in Times Square?

The Cricket in Times Square appears on reading lists for Common Core State Standards (ELA). Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is The Cricket in Times Square banned in schools?

The Cricket in Times Square 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 The Cricket in Times Square explore?

Central themes in The Cricket in Times Square include friendship, unlikely kindness, city life, music. These themes match how the book is discussed in most curriculum guides and AP Literature prompts.