Small Steps
by Louis Sachar
National Geographic Books 2008
Holes
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.2 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- second chances
- friendship
- choices and consequences
- integrity
- redemption
- fame and media
- trust
- personal growth
About this book
Two years after Camp Green Lake, Armpit is back in Austin trying to rebuild his life one small step at a time. With help from his determined young neighbor Ginny, he’s focused on school, work, and staying out of trouble—until an old friend tempts him with a risky scheme that could undo his progress. As Armpit navigates fame, friendship, and tough choices, he learns what it really takes to change. Fast-paced and heartfelt, this companion to Holes resonates with tweens and young teens who like realistic stories with humor and hope.
Setting: contemporary Austin, Texas, and concert venues on a pop star’s tour
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Small Steps right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Small Steps. The reading level is AR 4.2, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include second chances, friendship, choices and consequences.
How long does it take to read Small Steps?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Small Steps takes around 5.8h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Small Steps have an AR quiz?
Yes — Small Steps has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Small Steps?
Small Steps has an AR reading level of 4.2, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.