I Am Bella, Star of the Show
by Catherine Stier
Albert Whitman & Company 2020
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- sibling rivalry
- self-confidence
- teamwork
- following directions
- ambition
- responsibility
- working animals
About this book
Bella, a spirited Jack Russell terrier, dreams of stealing the spotlight, but her larger dog brother, Chewy, always seems to land the big roles. Told from Bella’s point of view, this early chapter book takes readers behind the scenes of animal acting and shows how training, patience, and teamwork matter as much as talent. Dog lovers will enjoy the fast-paced chapters, fun details about set life, and Bella’s big personality. Back matter shares more about working dogs and the Jack Russell breed.
Setting: contemporary film and TV sets and a family home
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is I Am Bella, Star of the Show right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for I Am Bella, Star of the Show. The reading level is AR 4, which is typical for 4th 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 perseverance, sibling rivalry, self-confidence.
How long does it take to read I Am Bella, Star of the Show?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, I Am Bella, Star of the Show takes around 1.1h to finish. The book has 9,700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does I Am Bella, Star of the Show have an AR quiz?
Yes — I Am Bella, Star of the Show has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 I Am Bella, Star of the Show?
I Am Bella, Star of the Show has an AR reading level of 4, which places it at a 4th 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.