Silent Lotus
by Jeanne M. Lee
Farrar, Straus & Giroux 1994
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- self-expression
- perseverance
- disability and inclusion
- arts and dance
- identity
- cultural heritage
- confidence
- nonverbal communication
About this book
Silent Lotus tells the story of a mute girl in ancient Cambodia who discovers that movement and dance can express what words cannot. Inspired by the elegance of the royal court dancers, Lotus learns to communicate through the classical Apsara dance. Lyrical text and luminous artwork introduce young readers to Cambodian culture while celebrating creativity and perseverance. A gentle, uplifting read for primary grades and families who enjoy stories about the arts and finding your voice.
Setting: ancient Cambodia; royal court at Angkor
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Silent Lotus right for my child?
Yes — Silent Lotus is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.5, 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 self-expression, perseverance, disability and inclusion.
How long does it take to read Silent Lotus?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Silent Lotus takes around 7m to finish. The book has 1,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Silent Lotus have an AR quiz?
Yes — Silent Lotus 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 Silent Lotus?
Silent Lotus has an AR reading level of 3.5, 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.