Big Machines
The Story of Virginia Lee Burton
HarperCollins 2017
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.4 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- creativity
- imagination
- family inspiration
- art and storytelling
- perseverance
- innovation
- legacy
- women in the arts
About this book
This picture-book biography celebrates Virginia Lee Burton, the beloved creator of Mike Mulligan, Katy, Maybelle, and The Little House. Sherri Duskey Rinker and John Rocco show how Burton’s art, imagination, and her sons’ love of big machines inspired timeless stories. With lively, affectionate text and dynamic illustrations, readers see how ideas grow from sketch to story. It’s a perfect pick for young fans of construction vehicles, classic picture books, and kids curious about how books are made.
Setting: Gloucester, Massachusetts (Folly Cove) and an artist’s studio; mid-20th century
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Machines right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Big Machines. The reading level is AR 4.4, which is typical for 4th 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 creativity, imagination, family inspiration.
How long does it take to read Big Machines?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Big Machines takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Big Machines have an AR quiz?
Yes — Big Machines 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 Big Machines?
Big Machines has an AR reading level of 4.4, which places it at a 4th 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.