Best friend Emma
by Sally Warner
Scholastic, Inc. 2009
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- jealousy
- empathy
- honesty
- school life
- self-confidence
- communication
- problem-solving
About this book
Emma is an upbeat elementary schooler who wants more than anything to figure out what it really means to be a best friend. When classroom cliques, mixed signals, and hurt feelings pop up, she tries to do the right thing—even when it isn’t easy. Told with humor and heart, this early chapter book captures the everyday dramas of school and playdates. It’s perfect for young readers ready for longer stories about friendships and growing up.
Setting: contemporary elementary school and suburban neighborhood
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Best friend Emma right for my child?
Yes — Best friend Emma is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.6, 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 friendship, jealousy, empathy.
How long does it take to read Best friend Emma?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Best friend Emma takes around 1.6h to finish. The book has 12,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Best friend Emma have an AR quiz?
Yes — Best friend Emma has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Best friend Emma?
Best friend Emma has an AR reading level of 3.6, 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.