Bigmama's
by Donald Crews
Silver Burdett Ginn 1991
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family bonds
- grandparents
- rural life
- nostalgia
- African American heritage
- traditions
- memory
- sense of place
About this book
Donald Crews shares warm memories of visiting his grandmother—Bigmama—on her Florida farm, where cousins gather, chores become adventures, and family stories come alive. Told with rich, evocative details and vibrant art, this autobiographical picture book celebrates the rhythms of country life and the bond between generations. It’s a comforting, nostalgic read-aloud perfect for primary grades and for families talking about their own traditions. Kids enjoy the sense of place, relatable family moments, and the excitement of summertime freedom.
Setting: a rural Florida farm in the mid-20th century, summertime
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bigmama's right for my child?
Yes — Bigmama's is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.7, which is typical for 2nd 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 family bonds, grandparents, rural life.
How long does it take to read Bigmama's?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Bigmama's takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,050 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Bigmama's have an AR quiz?
Yes — Bigmama's 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 Bigmama's?
Bigmama's has an AR reading level of 2.7, which places it at a 2nd 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.