Emily's Blue Period
by Cathleen Daly
Roaring Brook Press 2014
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family change
- divorce and separation
- feelings and emotional expression
- art and creativity
- self-discovery
- healing and resilience
- coping with change
About this book
Emily loves making art and finds comfort in the way Picasso used color to show his feelings. When her parents separate, she decides she’s in a “blue period,” using art to navigate big changes at home and school. Gentle text and expressive illustrations capture how creativity can help kids name their emotions and feel understood. A thoughtful, reassuring picture book for young readers who enjoy stories about art, family, and feelings.
Setting: contemporary home and school in a suburban neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emily's Blue Period right for my child?
Yes — Emily's Blue Period is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.1, 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 change, divorce and separation, feelings and emotional expression.
How long does it take to read Emily's Blue Period?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Emily's Blue Period takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,300 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Emily's Blue Period have an AR quiz?
Yes — Emily's Blue Period 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 Emily's Blue Period?
Emily's Blue Period has an AR reading level of 3.1, 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.