Skip to main content
The AR Booklist
I want to be a cowgirl book cover

I want to be a cowgirl

by Jeanne Willis

Henry Holt 2001

Great fit for 2nd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

2nd grade English
28
Pages
0.5
AR Points
4m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.

Learn more about Accelerated Reading →

Genre

Humorous Fiction

Themes

  • dreams and aspirations
  • imagination
  • independence
  • gender stereotypes
  • self-confidence
  • family
  • city vs. country
  • humor

About this book

A city girl dreams of trading her high-rise home for wide-open skies, a trusty horse, and the life of a cowgirl. With lively, rhythmic text and playful illustrations, she imagines roping, riding, and living free on the range. The story celebrates big dreams, confidence, and challenging expectations about what girls can do. Perfect for read-alouds, it delights young readers with humor and a spirited, can-do heroine.

Setting: a modern city apartment with daydreams of the Wild West

Readers also enjoyed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is I want to be a cowgirl right for my child?

Yes — I want to be a cowgirl is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.6, which is typical for 2nd 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 dreams and aspirations, imagination, independence.

How long does it take to read I want to be a cowgirl?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, I want to be a cowgirl takes around 4m to finish. The book has 500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does I want to be a cowgirl have an AR quiz?

Yes — I want to be a cowgirl 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 want to be a cowgirl?

I want to be a cowgirl has an AR reading level of 2.6, which places it at a 2nd 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.