Mary Marony and the Snake
by Suzy Kline
Putnam 1992
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- bullying and teasing
- honesty
- self-confidence
- problem-solving
- empathy
About this book
Second-grader Mary Marony is trying to be brave at school—until a snake situation sends her nerves into overdrive. With classmates watching and feelings running high, Mary has to decide whether to speak up and face her fears. This short, funny school story captures everyday worries and small-but-mighty acts of courage. Kids enjoy the familiar classroom setting, gentle humor, and a heroine who learns to find her voice.
Setting: elementary school classroom and playground
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mary Marony and the Snake right for my child?
Yes — Mary Marony and the Snake 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 friendship, courage, bullying and teasing.
How long does it take to read Mary Marony and the Snake?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Mary Marony and the Snake takes around 39m to finish. The book has 5,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mary Marony and the Snake have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mary Marony and the Snake 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 Mary Marony and the Snake?
Mary Marony and the Snake 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.