Knots on a Counting Rope
by Bill Martin, Jr., John Archambault
Henry Holt and Company (BYR) 1993
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family bonds
- storytelling and memory
- identity
- overcoming disability
- courage
- self-confidence
- cultural heritage
- resilience
About this book
A blind Navajo boy and his grandfather share a tender tradition: retelling the story of the boy’s birth and growing strength, marking each memory with a knot on a counting rope. The conversation-poem format shows how love, storytelling, and practice help the boy build confidence. Lyrical language and evocative art draw young readers into the desert setting and the closeness of this family. It’s a gentle, uplifting read-aloud for primary grades about courage and identity without revealing every detail.
Setting: Navajo lands in the American Southwest, contemporary times
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knots on a Counting Rope right for my child?
Yes — Knots on a Counting Rope is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.5, 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 family bonds, storytelling and memory, identity.
How long does it take to read Knots on a Counting Rope?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Knots on a Counting Rope takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Knots on a Counting Rope have an AR quiz?
Yes — Knots on a Counting Rope 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 Knots on a Counting Rope?
Knots on a Counting Rope has an AR reading level of 2.5, 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.