SUE MULLER HACKING was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Although she studied psychology in college, Sue now devotes her time to writing and sometimes photo-illustrating her books. The idea for this book came from the many hours she spends attending her daughter’s softball games. Sue lives in Redmond, Washington, with her husband, their two children, and their two cats.


DON TATE II was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. He has been drawing pictures for most of his life and began illustrating professionally in his mid-20s. Don divides his time between illustrating children’s books, including many for beginning readers, and working as a graphic artist/reporter for a local newspaper. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and their two children.

Download the Al bate Guided Reading Lesson Plan by clicking here

Guided Reading Guided reading levels were assigned by certified Reading Recovery® teachers and literacy experts using the guidelines identified in Guided Reading and Matching Books to Readers by Irene C. Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell (Heinemann).

Intervention Intervention levels were assigned by certified Reading Recovery® teachers and literacy experts and are intended for use in early intervention and one-on-one tutorial programs, including Reading Recovery® programs. These levels are not officially authorized by Reading Recovery®. Reading Recovery® is a registered servicemark of The Ohio State University.

DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) The DRA levels were determined using information in the Developmental Reading Assessment Resource Guide by Joetta Beaver (Celebration Press).

All level placements may vary and are subject to revision. Teachers may adjust the assigned levels in accordance with their own evaluations.