Samuel Morse, That's Who!
The Story of the Telegraph and Morse Code
by Tracy Nelson Maurer
Henry Holt and Company (BYR) 2019
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.6 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- innovation
- perseverance
- curiosity
- problem-solving
- history of technology
- communication
- inventors
- growth mindset
About this book
This lively picture book biography introduces Samuel Morse, the artist-turned-inventor who helped the world send messages in a flash. With engaging text and energetic art, kids follow how Morse’s curiosity and problem-solving led to the telegraph and a new code for communication. It’s a kid-friendly look at how big ideas grow from questions and persistence, perfect for young makers and history buffs. A great pick for early elementary readers who enjoy true stories about inventors and technology.
Setting: United States and France, mid-1800s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samuel Morse, That's Who! right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Samuel Morse, That's Who!. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th 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 innovation, perseverance, curiosity.
How long does it take to read Samuel Morse, That's Who!?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Samuel Morse, That's Who! takes around 7m to finish. The book has 1,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Samuel Morse, That's Who! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Samuel Morse, That's Who! 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 Samuel Morse, That's Who!?
Samuel Morse, That's Who! has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th 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.