Follow the Drinking Gourd
by Ron Richardson, Jeannette Winter
American School Publishers 1955
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- freedom
- courage
- resistance
- family
- hope
- perseverance
- community
- coded messages
About this book
This picture book tells the story of enslaved families who follow the Big Dipper—known as the Drinking Gourd—to find their way to freedom. With simple text and evocative art, it introduces the Underground Railroad and the idea of secret codes in a way that’s accessible to young readers. It’s a strong choice for early elementary students learning about American history and courage. Kids are drawn to the powerful journey, memorable refrain, and the sense of hope that builds page by page.
Setting: the American South and routes north along the Underground Railroad, mid-1800s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Follow the Drinking Gourd right for my child?
Yes — Follow the Drinking Gourd is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.1, 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 freedom, courage, resistance.
How long does it take to read Follow the Drinking Gourd?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Follow the Drinking Gourd takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Follow the Drinking Gourd have an AR quiz?
Yes — Follow the Drinking Gourd 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 Follow the Drinking Gourd?
Follow the Drinking Gourd has an AR reading level of 3.1, 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.