Some Pigtails
by Jonathan Eig
Albert Whitman & Company 2020
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- self-expression
- standing up for what’s right
- family support
- friendship
- school rules and fairness
- perseverance
- identity
- community
About this book
Lola loves books, her grandpa, and the perfect pair of pigtails he makes for her—but a new school rule puts her look to the test. With Grandpa Ed’s creativity and the support of her mom and friends, Lola finds her voice and stands up for what’s fair. This short, upbeat chapter book celebrates self-expression and student advocacy in a kid-friendly way. Ideal for young readers moving into longer stories, it balances humor, heart, and a positive school setting.
Setting: a contemporary U.S. elementary school and Lola’s family home
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Some Pigtails right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Some Pigtails. The reading level is AR 4, which is typical for 4th 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, standing up for what’s right, family support.
How long does it take to read Some Pigtails?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Some Pigtails takes around 1.7h to finish. The book has 15,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Some Pigtails have an AR quiz?
Yes — Some Pigtails has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Some Pigtails?
Some Pigtails has an AR reading level of 4, which places it at a 4th 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.