Heart of a tiger
by Marsha Diane Arnold
Dial Books for Young Readers 1995
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- courage
- self-worth
- perseverance
- kindness
- community
- names and naming
About this book
In a small village, a little nameless kitten longs for a strong, brave name and sets out to prove he has the heart of a tiger. Along the way he helps others and discovers that courage comes from kindness, determination, and believing in yourself. Lyrical language and rich imagery make this a memorable read-aloud for younger readers. Kids enjoy the uplifting message about identity and bravery, plus the charming animal hero.
Setting: a small village in India and the surrounding jungle
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heart of a tiger right for my child?
Yes — Heart of a tiger 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 identity, courage, self-worth.
How long does it take to read Heart of a tiger?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Heart of a tiger takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Heart of a tiger have an AR quiz?
Yes — Heart of a tiger 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 Heart of a tiger?
Heart of a tiger 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.