Martha calling
by Susan Meddaugh
Houghton Mifflin 1994
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- being yourself
- finding your voice
- perseverance
- fairness and inclusion
- humor
- problem-solving
About this book
Martha, the dog who can talk, spots a chance to win a special outing and dials in—proving she’s quick on her paws and even quicker on the phone. But when people realize a dog made the call, Martha has to use her wits and her voice to be taken seriously. This lively picture book blends humor with a gentle message about speaking up and believing in yourself. Perfect for read-alouds, it delights young readers who love clever dogs and funny twists.
Setting: a contemporary town and a bustling public event
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Martha calling right for my child?
Yes — Martha calling is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.2, 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 being yourself, finding your voice, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Martha calling?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Martha calling takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,400 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Martha calling have an AR quiz?
Yes — Martha calling 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 calling?
Martha calling has an AR reading level of 3.2, 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.