Big Jimmy's Kum Kau Chinese take out
by Ted Lewin
HarperCollins 2002
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- community
- food and culture
- teamwork
- immigrant experience
- hard work
- family business
- diversity
About this book
Step behind the counter of a busy Brooklyn Chinese take-out and watch cooks chop vegetables, stir-fry sizzling dishes, and pack steaming meals for hungry neighbors. Ted Lewin’s detailed watercolors and simple, engaging text create a sensory tour of the kitchen and front counter. It’s a warm, real-world look at teamwork, culture, and community that’s perfect for read-alouds and curious early elementary readers.
Setting: a neighborhood Chinese take-out restaurant in Brooklyn, early 2000s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Jimmy's Kum Kau Chinese take out right for my child?
Yes — Big Jimmy's Kum Kau Chinese take out is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.5, which is typical for 3rd 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 community, food and culture, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Big Jimmy's Kum Kau Chinese take out?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Big Jimmy's Kum Kau Chinese take out takes around 6m to finish. The book has 850 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Big Jimmy's Kum Kau Chinese take out have an AR quiz?
Yes — Big Jimmy's Kum Kau Chinese take out 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 Big Jimmy's Kum Kau Chinese take out?
Big Jimmy's Kum Kau Chinese take out has an AR reading level of 3.5, which places it at a 3rd 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.