The Girl Who Drew Butterflies
How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science
by Joyce Sidman
HarperCollins 2018
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- curiosity and inquiry
- perseverance
- women in STEM
- art and science connection
- discovery
- defying social norms
- nature and metamorphosis
- exploration
About this book
This richly illustrated biography introduces Maria Sibylla Merian, a pioneering 17th-century artist and scientist who transformed how people understood butterflies and metamorphosis. Joyce Sidman blends engaging narrative with Merian’s own luminous artwork, making science and history feel immediate and exciting. Perfect for middle-grade readers who love nature, art, and true stories of trailblazing women, it celebrates curiosity, careful observation, and perseverance. A great choice for classrooms and independent readers alike.
Setting: 17th-century Europe (Germany and the Netherlands) and Suriname
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Girl Who Drew Butterflies right for my child?
Yes — The Girl Who Drew Butterflies is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.2, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include curiosity and inquiry, perseverance, women in STEM.
How long does it take to read The Girl Who Drew Butterflies?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, The Girl Who Drew Butterflies takes around 1.7h to finish. The book has 18,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Girl Who Drew Butterflies have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Girl Who Drew Butterflies 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 The Girl Who Drew Butterflies?
The Girl Who Drew Butterflies has an AR reading level of 7.2, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.