I Lost My Tooth In Africa
by Penda Diakite
Scholastic Press 2006
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family
- cultural traditions
- identity and belonging
- growing up
- patience
- community
- celebration
About this book
When a girl travels to visit family in Mali, she hopes her wiggly tooth will finally come out so she can take part in a special local tradition. Surrounded by cousins, music, and delicious food, she learns what happens when children in West Africa lose a tooth. Warm, folk-art–style illustrations bring Malian daily life to the page. Perfect for early elementary readers, this story celebrates family, culture, and the excitement of growing up.
Setting: Bamako, Mali (West Africa), present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is I Lost My Tooth In Africa right for my child?
Yes — I Lost My Tooth In Africa 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, cultural traditions, identity and belonging.
How long does it take to read I Lost My Tooth In Africa?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, I Lost My Tooth In Africa takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does I Lost My Tooth In Africa have an AR quiz?
Yes — I Lost My Tooth In Africa 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 I Lost My Tooth In Africa?
I Lost My Tooth In Africa 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.