December
by Eve Bunting
Voyager Books 2000
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- homelessness
- generosity
- hope
- compassion
- family
- resilience
- Christmas spirit
- dignity
About this book
A young boy and his mother, who are homeless, try to make their cardboard shelter feel festive on Christmas Eve. When a mysterious visitor arrives, small acts of kindness turn a difficult night into one filled with hope. Eve Bunting’s gentle, honest storytelling and evocative illustrations invite conversations about empathy and generosity. Ideal for families and classrooms looking to discuss compassion during the holidays.
Setting: an urban street and makeshift shelter at Christmastime
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is December right for my child?
Yes — December is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.3, 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 homelessness, generosity, hope.
How long does it take to read December?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, December takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does December have an AR quiz?
Yes — December 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 December?
December has an AR reading level of 3.3, 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.