A Sweet Smell of Roses
Simon and Schuster 2007
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- activism
- courage
- civil rights
- sisterhood
- community
- hope
- perseverance
About this book
Two sisters slip out to join a crowd marching for freedom, following the rhythmic beat of drums and the sweet scent of roses through their city. Told with poetic language and stirring illustrations, the story offers a child’s-eye view of the Civil Rights Movement. It’s accessible for young readers and opens conversations about fairness, bravery, and standing up for what’s right. Kids are drawn to the hopeful tone, the strong sibling bond, and the empowering message that even children can make a difference.
Setting: an American Southern town during the Civil Rights Movement, early 1960s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Sweet Smell of Roses right for my child?
Yes — A Sweet Smell of Roses is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.5, 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 activism, courage, civil rights.
How long does it take to read A Sweet Smell of Roses?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, A Sweet Smell of Roses takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Sweet Smell of Roses have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Sweet Smell of Roses 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 Sweet Smell of Roses?
A Sweet Smell of Roses has an AR reading level of 3.5, 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.