When Charlie McButton Lost Power
Penguin 2007
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- screen time and balance
- sibling relationships
- imagination and play
- adaptability
- problem-solving
- empathy
- self-control
About this book
Charlie McButton is obsessed with video games—until a thunderstorm knocks out the power and his digital world goes dark. Desperate for batteries, he’ll try anything to get his game back on. With humor and lively rhyme, this picture book explores what happens when screens go off and imagination switches on. Great for young readers and families talking about screen time, siblings, and finding fun offline.
Setting: a contemporary home during a thunderstorm and power outage
Frequently Asked Questions
Is When Charlie McButton Lost Power right for my child?
Yes — When Charlie McButton Lost Power 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 screen time and balance, sibling relationships, imagination and play.
How long does it take to read When Charlie McButton Lost Power?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, When Charlie McButton Lost Power takes around 7m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does When Charlie McButton Lost Power have an AR quiz?
Yes — When Charlie McButton Lost Power 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 When Charlie McButton Lost Power?
When Charlie McButton Lost Power 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.