MARíA DíAZ STROM was born in Portland, Oregon. She studied art at Portland State University and has worked as an art teacher at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Austin, Texas. Maria wrote and illustrated RAINBOW JOE AND ME, published by LEE & LOW BOOKS, and has illustrated books for beginning readers as well. She lives in San Francisco, California, with her husband and their pet fish, Bubbles.

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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.