Skip to main content
The AR Booklist
Now I'm a Bird book cover

Now I'm a Bird

by Sue Ganz-Schmitt

Albert Whitman & Company 2020

Great fit for 3rd grade

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

3rd grade English Juvenile Fiction
35
Pages
0.5
AR Points
7m
Read time
AR Quiz Available
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop.org

Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.

Learn more about Accelerated Reading →
Mom's Choice Award (Gold), 2021Story Monsters Approved Book of the Year, 2022Firebird Book Awards - Juvenile Fiction (First Place), 2021Firebird Book Awards - Picture Book for All Ages, 2021

Genre

Fantasy

Themes

  • self-acceptance
  • identity
  • bullying and teasing
  • empathy
  • resilience
  • inclusivity
  • imagination
  • perspective-taking

About this book

Julianna starts sprouting feathers—then full wings—making her the only bird in her class. The teasing is tough, but taking to the sky gives her a fresh perspective and the confidence to embrace who she is. With gentle humor and a touch of magic, this picture book celebrates differences and the courage to be yourself. Perfect for young readers who enjoy imaginative stories with heartfelt messages.

Setting: contemporary elementary school and neighborhood

Readers also enjoyed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Now I'm a Bird right for my child?

Yes — Now I'm a Bird 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 self-acceptance, identity, bullying and teasing.

How long does it take to read Now I'm a Bird?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Now I'm a Bird takes around 7m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Now I'm a Bird have an AR quiz?

Yes — Now I'm a Bird 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 Now I'm a Bird?

Now I'm a Bird 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.