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The AR Booklist
Motley the cat book cover

Motley the cat

by Susannah Amoore

Viking 1997

Great fit for 2nd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

2nd grade English
0.5
AR Points
8m
Read time
AR Quiz Available
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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • belonging
  • friendship
  • kindness
  • community
  • home
  • curiosity
  • empathy

About this book

Motley is a patchwork cat with a curious spirit and a nose for adventure. As he wanders through town, he meets new people, samples cozy spots, and discovers what it means to feel at home. Gentle text and warm illustrations make this a comforting read-aloud for young animal lovers. Kids enjoy the friendly feline hero, the everyday surprises in his explorations, and the happy, heartwarming vibe.

Setting: a contemporary neighborhood in a small town

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Motley the cat right for my child?

Yes — Motley the cat is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.7, which is typical for 2nd 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 belonging, friendship, kindness.

How long does it take to read Motley the cat?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Motley the cat takes around 8m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Motley the cat have an AR quiz?

Yes — Motley the cat 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 Motley the cat?

Motley the cat has an AR reading level of 2.7, which places it at a 2nd 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.