Making Music
by Susan Bonners
Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR) 2002
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- moving to a new home
- mentorship
- music and the arts
- family
- friendship
- self-confidence
- community
- resilience
About this book
After Annie, her mom, and baby brother move into a new house, everything feels unfamiliar and a little overwhelming. Then Annie discovers a welcoming neighbor who plays the piano, and music becomes a bright spot in her changing world. This gentle, realistic story celebrates small acts of kindness, the comfort of routines, and the joy of learning something new. Perfect for young readers adjusting to change or beginning chapter books.
Setting: a contemporary suburban neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Making Music right for my child?
Yes — Making Music is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.5, 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 moving to a new home, mentorship, music and the arts.
How long does it take to read Making Music?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Making Music takes around 1.3h to finish. The book has 10,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Making Music have an AR quiz?
Yes — Making Music 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 Making Music?
Making Music has an AR reading level of 3.5, 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.