Instructions Not Included
How a Team of Women Coded the Future
by Tami Lewis Brown
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2019
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- women in STEM
- innovation
- teamwork
- perseverance
- problem-solving
- history of technology
- breaking barriers
- WWII home front
About this book
This picture-book biography tells how three pioneering women—Betty Snyder, Jean Jennings, and Kay McNulty—helped program ENIAC, one of the first electronic computers, during World War II. With no manuals and little access to the machine, they relied on math, logic, and persistence to make it work. Clear, engaging text and bright illustrations introduce young readers to early computing and women in STEM. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy real-life problem solvers and stories of teamwork and innovation.
Setting: Philadelphia and the Moore School of Electrical Engineering, 1940s (World War II)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Instructions Not Included right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Instructions Not Included. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th 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 women in STEM, innovation, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Instructions Not Included?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Instructions Not Included takes around 11m to finish. The book has 1,800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Instructions Not Included have an AR quiz?
Yes — Instructions Not Included 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 Instructions Not Included?
Instructions Not Included has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th 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.