Snowball
by Ellen Miles
Scholastic Inc. 2005
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- responsibility
- empathy
- family
- animal rescue
- problem-solving
- patience
- community
- kindness
About this book
Charles and Lizzie love fostering puppies until they can find them the perfect homes. When a fluffy white pup named Snowball bounces into their lives, the kids work to teach her manners and discover what kind of family will be just right for her. Short chapters, gentle humor, and lots of puppy care details make this a comforting, engaging read for young animal lovers. Great for readers moving into early chapter books who enjoy heartwarming, realistic stories about pets and responsibility.
Setting: contemporary suburban town in winter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Snowball right for my child?
Yes — Snowball 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 responsibility, empathy, family.
How long does it take to read Snowball?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Snowball takes around 1.1h to finish. The book has 9,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Snowball have an AR quiz?
Yes — Snowball 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 Snowball?
Snowball 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.