Saturday at The New You
by Barbara E. Barber
Lee & Low Books 1994
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family bonds
- cultural identity
- self-confidence
- community
- patience
- tradition
- belonging
About this book
It’s Saturday, and a young girl heads to The New You with her mom for a day at the neighborhood beauty shop. While she waits, she takes in the busy buzz of dryers, friendly chatter, and the care that goes into every style. The story celebrates Black hair, family routines, and the welcoming community of a local salon. Kids enjoy the lively scenes, relatable experience, and the confident feeling that comes with a fresh new look.
Setting: a neighborhood beauty salon in an urban community, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saturday at The New You right for my child?
Yes — Saturday at The New You is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.1, 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 family bonds, cultural identity, self-confidence.
How long does it take to read Saturday at The New You?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Saturday at The New You takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Saturday at The New You have an AR quiz?
Yes — Saturday at The New You 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 Saturday at The New You?
Saturday at The New You has an AR reading level of 3.1, 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.