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TINA ATHAIDE, of Asian Indian descent, was born in Uganda, Africa. She is a reading resource specialist and in 1998, was recognized by the International Reading Association for her outstanding contribution in the field of reading. She is the author of Best Friends and Pran's Week of Adventure published by Bebop Books. She lives in Temecula, California, with her husband and their daughter.


SHACHI KALE was born in the small town of Pune on the western coast of India. She holds a degree in graphic design from Sophia Polytechnic in Mumbai, India, and is a full-time graphic designer and illustrator. To research this book, Shachi arranged for a tour of a local fire station, but when she arrived, all the firefighters were out on a call! Shachi lies in Chandler, Arizona, with her husband and their son.

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.