Text Complexity Analysis of
Amazing Grace_______ (title)
by Mary Hoffman_______ (author)
Recommended Complexity Band: Early 3rd grade__
Text Description
Briefly describe the text: Grace is a girl who loves to read stories and act them out. Her
class is acting out Peter Pan and her class says she cannot try out for it because Peter Pan is
not a girl and is not black. Grace’s family supports her and she can do whatever she wants if
she puts her mind to it. She finds the courage to persevere and pursue her dream.
Pg. 46 – Raj said “ You can’t be Peter-that’s a boy’s name
Pg. 47 – Natalie said “he isn’t black”
Pg. 48 – Ma said “a girl can be Peter Pan if she wants to”
Quantitative Measure
Complexity Band Level (provide range): 2-3 grade level band
Lexile or Other Quantitative Measure of the Text: 680L
Considerations for Reader and Task
Below are factors to consider with respect to the reader and task (See attached guiding
questions to assist each teacher in filling out this section for his or her own class):
Qualitative Measures
Potential Challenges this Text Poses:
Meaning/Purpose: (Briefly explain the levels of meaning (Literary Text) or purpose
(Informational text)
Multisyllabic words are easily decodable
Moderately complex (theme is subtle, many subthemes: explicit discussion of race and
gender, prejudice, family, purpose of how to use this text but one theme is clear)
Vocabulary is moderately complex with references to unfamiliar literary/theatrical/historical
figures (but not essential to understanding story) such as Joan of Arc, Romeo & Juliet, Troy,
Hiawatha
Pg. 57 – “if Grace puts her mind to it, she can do anything she wants”
Language is colloquial vs. academic
Text Structure: (Briefly describe the structure, organization, and other features of the text)
Pg. 57 – “I feel as if I could fly all the way home”
Slightly complex (sequential, chronological order, no shifts in point of view, illustrations
provide support for text)
Make an inference between a black Juliet ballerina and a black, female Peter Pan
Language Features: (Briefly describe the conventions and clarity of the language used in the
text, including the complexity of the vocabulary and sentence structures.)
Moderately Complex (some of the vocabulary and figurative language might be unfamiliar but
generally easy to understand, a few instances of unfamiliar or historical references, sentences
are simple and compound)
Pg. 42, 43 – Joan of Arc, Anansi
Pg. 49 – “another one who don’t know nothing.”
Knowledge Demands: (Briefly describe the knowledge demands the text requires of
students.)
Moderately Complex (everyday practical knowledge, some abstract ideas or
theatrical/historical references, explores a single theme, few cultural references to outside
ideas)
Created by: Amy Hawkins, Melody Russell, Carol Williard, Jenny Chow
Pg. 51 – stunning new Juliet
Pg. 52 – Nana decided to take Grace to watch Rosalie dance
Major Instructional Areas of Focus (3-4 CCS Standards) for this Text:
R.L. 3.1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of text
R.L. 3.3 Describe characters in a story and explain their actions contribute to the sequence of
events
R.L. 3.4 Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases
in a text relevant to a grade 3 topic or subject area.
R.L. 3.7 Explain how specific aspects of a text’s illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by
the words in story
Reviewed by:
Differentiation/Supports for Students
Pre-teach vocabulary, front loading, connect prior knowledge, picture walk, read aloud and
then close reading, review pictures after the story is read, utilize retell cards or thinking maps
Recommended Placemat: Briefly explain the recommended placement of the text in a
particular grade band.
The recommended placemat for this text is for beginning or middle of 3rd grade because the
overall qualitative measure is moderately complex. The illustrations support the meaning and
understanding of the text. The language and organization of the selection are straight forward
and easy for students to follow and comprehend.
Created by: Amy Hawkins, Melody Russell, Carol Williard, Jenny Chow
Reviewed by: