Dolores on Her Toes
by Barbara Samuels
Melanie Kroupa Books/Farrar, Straus and Giroux 2003
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- sibling relationships
- perseverance
- self-confidence
- imitation and individuality
- arts and creativity
- humor
- trying new things
About this book
Dolores adores her graceful older sister Faye and dreams of dancing just like her. When ballet fever hits, Dolores throws herself into twirls, leaps, and being on her toes—with hilarious results. Bright, expressive illustrations capture the ups and downs of trying something new. Perfect for young readers who love dance, sisters, and laugh-out-loud moments.
Setting: contemporary home and dance studio
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dolores on Her Toes right for my child?
Yes — Dolores on Her Toes is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.6, which is typical for 2nd 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 sibling relationships, perseverance, self-confidence.
How long does it take to read Dolores on Her Toes?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Dolores on Her Toes takes around 7m to finish. The book has 800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dolores on Her Toes have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dolores on Her Toes 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 Dolores on Her Toes?
Dolores on Her Toes has an AR reading level of 2.6, which places it at a 2nd 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.