Taking care of trouble
by Bonnie B. Graves
Dutton Children's Books 2002
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
- friendship
- family
- problem-solving
- pets and animal care
- perseverance
- community
About this book
When a spirited pet named Trouble comes to stay, a caring kid discovers that looking after an animal is more than food and walks—it’s patience, practice, and problem-solving. Mischief follows wherever Trouble goes, bringing laugh-out-loud moments and a few messy setbacks. With help from friends and family, the young caretaker learns responsibility and empathy while finding smart ways to channel Trouble’s energy. Short chapters and a warm, pet-centered story make this a great pick for newly independent readers.
Setting: a contemporary suburban neighborhood
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taking care of trouble right for my child?
Yes — Taking care of trouble 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, friendship.
How long does it take to read Taking care of trouble?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Taking care of trouble takes around 1.2h to finish. The book has 10,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Taking care of trouble have an AR quiz?
Yes — Taking care of trouble 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 Taking care of trouble?
Taking care of trouble 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.