The Apple Doll
by Elisa Kleven
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) 2007
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- first day of school
- friendship
- creativity
- overcoming shyness
- family support
- imagination
- self-confidence
About this book
Lizzy is nervous about starting school, so she turns a perfect apple from her backyard tree into a comforting apple doll named Susanna. When dolls aren’t allowed in class, her family helps her transform Susanna in a creative new way. With a little ingenuity and encouragement, Lizzy finds her voice and makes new friends. Gentle text and detailed, whimsical art make this a reassuring read for young children facing first-day jitters, with a fun craft tie-in for families.
Setting: contemporary home with an apple tree and an elementary school classroom
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Apple Doll right for my child?
Yes — The Apple Doll is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.4, 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 first day of school, friendship, creativity.
How long does it take to read The Apple Doll?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, The Apple Doll takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Apple Doll have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Apple Doll 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 The Apple Doll?
The Apple Doll has an AR reading level of 3.4, 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.