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The AR Booklist
Silver book cover

Silver

by Gloria Whelan

Random House Books for Young Readers 2004

Great fit for 3rd grade

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

3rd grade English
64
Pages
1
AR Points
58m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Historical Fiction

Themes

  • animal friendship
  • perseverance
  • family
  • responsibility
  • hope
  • courage

About this book

A short, heartfelt chapter book about a girl and the horse she loves, Silver. When changing circumstances threaten to separate them, she must find the courage and resourcefulness to keep their bond alive. With clear, accessible language and a gentle pace, the story invites newly independent readers into historical settings and real-life challenges. Animal lovers and fans of quiet, hopeful adventures will be drawn in.

Setting: rural American frontier, late 1800s

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Silver right for my child?

Yes — Silver is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.7, 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 animal friendship, perseverance, family.

How long does it take to read Silver?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Silver takes around 58m to finish. The book has 7,800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Silver have an AR quiz?

Yes — Silver has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Silver?

Silver has an AR reading level of 3.7, 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.