Excellent Emma
by Sally Warner
Viking Childrens Books 2009
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- self-acceptance
- perfectionism
- school life
- perseverance
- family
- kindness
- identity
About this book
Third-grader Emma wants to be excellent at something—anything—and sets out to prove it at school and at home. Along the way, she juggles friends, family expectations, and a few missteps that teach her what excellence really means. Warm humor and relatable situations make Emma’s everyday adventures engaging for young readers. Perfect for early chapter-book fans who like realistic school stories with heart.
Setting: a contemporary suburban elementary school and home
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Excellent Emma right for my child?
Yes — Excellent Emma is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.7, 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, self-acceptance, perfectionism.
How long does it take to read Excellent Emma?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Excellent Emma takes around 1.9h to finish. The book has 15,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Excellent Emma have an AR quiz?
Yes — Excellent 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 Excellent Emma?
Excellent Emma has an AR reading level of 3.7, 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.