An Early American Christmas
Open Road Media 2013
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.2 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- tradition
- family
- community
- generosity
- celebration
- cultural heritage
- hard work
- acceptance
About this book
In a quiet New England village where Christmas isn’t widely observed, a newly arrived family joyfully prepares for the holiday with candles, baking, and hand-carved decorations. Their warmth and traditions gently show neighbors the meaning of celebration and community. With rich, detailed artwork and simple, inviting text, Tomie dePaola offers a window into early American customs. Perfect for younger readers and family read-alouds during the holidays.
Setting: a small New England village in early America (colonial/18th–early 19th century)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is An Early American Christmas right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for An Early American Christmas. The reading level is AR 4.2, which is typical for 4th grade. 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 tradition, family, community.
How long does it take to read An Early American Christmas?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, An Early American Christmas takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does An Early American Christmas have an AR quiz?
Yes — An Early American Christmas 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 An Early American Christmas?
An Early American Christmas has an AR reading level of 4.2, which places it at a 4th grade 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.