My rows and piles of coins
by Tololwa M. Mollel
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Trade & Reference Publishers 2019
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- family responsibility
- financial literacy and saving
- determination
- community
- generosity
- hard work
- goals and dreams
About this book
Saruni, a determined boy in Tanzania, carefully saves the small coins he earns helping his mother at the market, dreaming of buying something that will make a big difference for his family. Set against bustling stalls and village roads, his patient effort shows how small steps add up to big goals. Readers connect with the universal experience of saving up for something important, and the warm, realistic art draws them into Saruni’s world. It’s a heartening story about perseverance, responsibility, and pride in helping at home.
Setting: a village and market in Tanzania, mid-20th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is My rows and piles of coins right for my child?
Yes — My rows and piles of coins is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.5, 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, family responsibility, financial literacy and saving.
How long does it take to read My rows and piles of coins?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, My rows and piles of coins takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,400 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My rows and piles of coins have an AR quiz?
Yes — My rows and piles of coins 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 My rows and piles of coins?
My rows and piles of coins has an AR reading level of 3.5, 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.