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The AR Booklist
Only Emma book cover

Only Emma

by Sally Warner

Viking 2005

Great fit for 3rd grade

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

3rd grade English
115
Pages
2
AR Points
1.6h
Read time
AR Quiz Available
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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • friendship
  • fitting in
  • being yourself
  • empathy
  • school life
  • problem-solving
  • self-confidence

About this book

Second-grader Emma McGraw is figuring out how to stand out and fit in at the same time. With everyday school adventures, friendship mix-ups, and big feelings told with humor and heart, Emma’s voice feels just like a real kid’s. Short chapters and spot-on situations make this an inviting read for newly independent readers. Kids enjoy Emma’s honesty, small-scale dramas, and satisfying solutions.

Setting: contemporary suburban elementary school and home

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Only Emma right for my child?

Yes — Only Emma is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.6, 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, fitting in, being yourself.

How long does it take to read Only Emma?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Only Emma takes around 1.6h to finish. The book has 13,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Only Emma have an AR quiz?

Yes — Only Emma has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Only Emma?

Only Emma has an AR reading level of 3.6, 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.