The Circulatory Story
by Mary Corcoran
Charlesbridge Publishing 2020
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.8 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- human body
- science and discovery
- health and wellness
- systems and structure
- curiosity
- problem-solving
- biology
- STEM learning
About this book
This lively nonfiction picture book follows a red blood cell on a tour through the body, showing how the heart, lungs, and vessels work together to keep us alive. With clear, humorous text and comic-style art, it breaks down big science ideas like oxygen exchange, fighting germs, and plaque buildup. It’s a great fit for elementary readers who are curious about how their bodies work. Kids enjoy the fast-paced ‘inside-the-body’ journey and the funny visuals that make complex science easy to understand.
Setting: inside the human body
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Circulatory Story right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Circulatory Story. The reading level is AR 4.8, 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 human body, science and discovery, health and wellness.
How long does it take to read The Circulatory Story?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Circulatory Story takes around 12m to finish. The book has 1,800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Circulatory Story have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Circulatory Story 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 Circulatory Story?
The Circulatory Story has an AR reading level of 4.8, 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.