Pie in the Sky
by Bruce Balan
Viking Juvenile 1993
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Themes include global awareness
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Genre
Themes
- travel and exploration
- adventure
- curiosity
- humor
- food
- problem-solving
- perseverance
- global awareness
About this book
When a freshly baked butterscotch pie sets off on a whimsical journey, readers follow it across the United States and around the globe. Simple, rhythmic text and playful scenes turn geography into an adventure, inviting kids to track the pie’s path and guess what comes next. It’s a light, funny read-aloud that encourages curiosity about the wider world. Perfect for young listeners and early independent readers who enjoy travel tales and food-themed fun.
Setting: modern-day journey across the United States and around the world
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pie in the Sky right for my child?
Yes — Pie in the Sky 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 travel and exploration, adventure, curiosity.
How long does it take to read Pie in the Sky?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Pie in the Sky takes around 7m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Pie in the Sky have an AR quiz?
Yes — Pie in the Sky 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 Pie in the Sky?
Pie in the Sky 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.