More than anything else
by Marie Bradby
Orchard Books 1995
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- education and literacy
- dreams and goals
- hope
- mentorship
- resilience
- African American history
- family and community
About this book
In this lyrical picture book, a young Booker T. Washington works long days in a post–Civil War salt and coal town but dreams most of learning to read. With the help of a kind newspaper man, he takes his first steps toward unlocking the power of words. The story gently introduces history while celebrating perseverance and the joy of learning. Perfect for early elementary readers and read-alouds, it inspires kids to chase big dreams, no matter how hard the road.
Setting: Malden, West Virginia, Reconstruction era (late 1860s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is More than anything else right for my child?
Yes — More than anything else is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.3, 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 perseverance, education and literacy, dreams and goals.
How long does it take to read More than anything else?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, More than anything else takes around 6m to finish. The book has 800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does More than anything else have an AR quiz?
Yes — More than anything else 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 More than anything else?
More than anything else has an AR reading level of 3.3, 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.