Epossumondas plays possum
by Coleen Salley
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2009
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- trickery
- cleverness
- family
- problem-solving
- bravery
- folklore
- humor
About this book
This lively Southern folktale follows the lovable opossum Epossumondas, whose knack for "playing possum" and quick thinking help him wriggle out of trouble in the swamp. With playful dialect and rhythmic storytelling, the tale celebrates family, wit, and a little bit of mischief. Perfect for read-alouds, it delights younger listeners while offering vocabulary and humor for early readers. Fans of trickster tales and down-home humor will have a ball.
Setting: a Southern bayou/swamp inspired by Louisiana
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Epossumondas plays possum right for my child?
Yes — Epossumondas plays possum is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.2, 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 trickery, cleverness, family.
How long does it take to read Epossumondas plays possum?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Epossumondas plays possum takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Epossumondas plays possum have an AR quiz?
Yes — Epossumondas plays possum 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 Epossumondas plays possum?
Epossumondas plays possum has an AR reading level of 3.2, 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.