A Day with Parkinson's
by A. Hultquist
Albert Whitman & Company 2016
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Themes include illness and disability awareness
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Genre
Themes
- family bonds
- illness and disability awareness
- empathy
- coping and resilience
- intergenerational relationships
- reassurance and hope
- understanding differences
- emotional literacy
About this book
Noah loves spending time with his grandpa, but things feel different now that Grandpa has Parkinson’s. With gentle, child-friendly language, this picture book shows how symptoms like low energy or a stiff smile can look, while reassuring kids that the illness isn’t their fault. Families see caring, patience, and play still shining through—like a joyful day at the beach. It’s a comforting read for young children who have a loved one with Parkinson’s or other long-term health challenges.
Setting: contemporary family home and a day at the beach
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Day with Parkinson's right for my child?
Yes — A Day with Parkinson's is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.2, 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 family bonds, illness and disability awareness, empathy.
How long does it take to read A Day with Parkinson's?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, A Day with Parkinson's takes around 7m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Day with Parkinson's have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Day with Parkinson's 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 A Day with Parkinson's?
A Day with Parkinson's has an AR reading level of 3.2, 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.