Donavan's word jar
by Monalisa DeGross
HarperTrophy 1994
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
- love of language
- curiosity
- self-expression
- problem-solving
- family and community support
- perseverance
- creativity
About this book
Third-grader Donavan loves collecting interesting words and keeps them safe inside a special jar. When his collection grows too big to keep to himself, he has to figure out how to share his words without losing what makes them special. This warm, realistic story celebrates curiosity, language, and the joy of discovering new vocabulary. It’s a great pick for young readers building confidence and for anyone who delights in words.
Setting: contemporary urban neighborhood and elementary school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Donavan's word jar right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Donavan's word jar. 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 love of language, curiosity, self-expression.
How long does it take to read Donavan's word jar?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Donavan's word jar takes around 59m to finish. The book has 8,800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Donavan's word jar have an AR quiz?
Yes — Donavan's word jar 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 Donavan's word jar?
Donavan's word jar 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.