Christmas in the big house, Christmas in the quarters
by Patricia McKissack, Fredrick McKissack
Scholastic Paperbacks 2002
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- slavery and freedom
- inequality and justice
- family and community
- traditions and culture
- resilience and hope
- empathy and perspective-taking
- African American history
- holiday celebrations
About this book
Set on a Virginia plantation in 1859, this richly detailed nonfiction book contrasts how Christmas was observed in the plantation owner’s Big House and in the enslaved people’s quarters. Through vivid scenes, songs, food, and customs, readers see two very different celebrations unfolding on the same land. The book invites thoughtful discussion about history, empathy, and perspective while illuminating traditions that shaped the season. A strong choice for middle-grade readers studying American history or looking for meaningful holiday reading.
Setting: a Virginia plantation, 1859 (antebellum South)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Christmas in the big house, Christmas in the quarters right for my child?
Yes — Christmas in the big house, Christmas in the quarters is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.7, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include slavery and freedom, inequality and justice, family and community.
How long does it take to read Christmas in the big house, Christmas in the quarters?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Christmas in the big house, Christmas in the quarters takes around 47m to finish. The book has 7,800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Christmas in the big house, Christmas in the quarters have an AR quiz?
Yes — Christmas in the big house, Christmas in the quarters has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Christmas in the big house, Christmas in the quarters?
Christmas in the big house, Christmas in the quarters has an AR reading level of 5.7, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.