Song Lee and the "I hate you" notes
by Suzy Kline
Puffin Books 2001
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- kindness and empathy
- bullying and unkindness
- feelings and emotions
- problem-solving
- conflict resolution
- school life
- respect
About this book
When unkind 'I hate you' notes start turning up in Room 2B, the whole class feels uneasy. Song Lee, known for her kindness, wants to figure out what’s going on and how to help without hurting anyone’s feelings. This early chapter book explores how words can affect others and shows gentle ways kids can stand up for kindness. It’s a warm, funny school story perfect for emerging readers moving into longer books.
Setting: second-grade classroom (Room 2B) in an elementary school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Song Lee and the "I hate you" notes right for my child?
Yes — Song Lee and the "I hate you" notes is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.1, 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 friendship, kindness and empathy, bullying and unkindness.
How long does it take to read Song Lee and the "I hate you" notes?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Song Lee and the "I hate you" notes takes around 22m to finish. The book has 3,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Song Lee and the "I hate you" notes have an AR quiz?
Yes — Song Lee and the "I hate you" notes 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 Song Lee and the "I hate you" notes?
Song Lee and the "I hate you" notes has an AR reading level of 3.1, 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.