Martha Blah Blah
by Susan Meddaugh
Houghton Mifflin 1996
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- communication
- wordplay and language
- standing up for what’s right
- problem-solving
- perseverance
- courage
- community
About this book
When the makers of alphabet soup start leaving out letters to save money, Martha the talking dog suddenly can’t say what she means—her words come out all jumbled and “blah blah.” Determined to get her voice back, she sets off to find out what happened and speak up for everyone who loves words. With playful humor and lots of wordplay, this picture book tickles early readers while celebrating clear communication. Great for kids who enjoy silly stories with a smart, brave hero.
Setting: a contemporary suburban town and an alphabet soup company
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Martha Blah Blah right for my child?
Yes — Martha Blah Blah 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 communication, wordplay and language, standing up for what’s right.
How long does it take to read Martha Blah Blah?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Martha Blah Blah takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Martha Blah Blah have an AR quiz?
Yes — Martha Blah Blah 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 Martha Blah Blah?
Martha Blah Blah 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.