Wait
by Antoinette Portis
Macmillan 2015
Great fit for Kindergarten
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- mindfulness
- patience
- parent-child relationship
- curiosity
- observation
- urban life
- everyday wonder
- slowing down
About this book
In this quiet, beautifully illustrated picture book, a hurried parent urges a young child along through a busy city day, while the child gently asks to slow down and notice the wonders all around. With spare text and rich visual storytelling, it celebrates mindfulness, curiosity, and the small joys found in everyday moments. Perfect for preschool to early elementary readers, it invites shared reading and conversation. Families love its relatable parent-child dynamic and the calm message to pause and look closely.
Setting: a busy urban neighborhood and park, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wait right for my child?
Yes — Wait is a great fit for Kindergarten. The reading level is AR 0.7, which is typical for Kindergarten. 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 mindfulness, patience, parent-child relationship.
How long does it take to read Wait?
At a typical Kindergarten reading pace, Wait takes around 2m to finish. The book has 80 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Wait have an AR quiz?
Yes — Wait 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 Wait?
Wait has an AR reading level of 0.7, which places it at a Kindergarten 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.