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The AR Booklist
Purple is best book cover

Purple is best

by Dana Meachen Rau

Children's Press 1999

Great fit for Kindergarten

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

Kindergarten English
31
Pages
0.5
AR Points
7m
Read time
AR Quiz Available
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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • self-expression
  • individuality
  • colors
  • confidence
  • family life
  • decision-making
  • humor

About this book

A cheerful early reader about a child who insists that purple is the best color for everything—clothes, snacks, and more. Through simple, repetitive text and bright illustrations, young readers explore colors and personal preferences. The story invites kids to compare, decide what they like, and celebrate their own tastes. Perfect for beginning readers building confidence and fluency.

Setting: everyday home and neighborhood settings

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Purple is best right for my child?

Yes — Purple is best is a great fit for Kindergarten. The reading level is AR 0.8, which is typical for Kindergarten. 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-expression, individuality, colors.

How long does it take to read Purple is best?

At a typical Kindergarten reading pace, Purple is best takes around 7m to finish. The book has 300 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Purple is best have an AR quiz?

Yes — Purple is best 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 Purple is best?

Purple is best has an AR reading level of 0.8, which places it at a Kindergarten 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.