Gathering the sun
an A B C in Spanish and English
by
Lothrop Lee & Shepard 1997
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family and community
- farm life
- nature and seasons
- cultural heritage
- work and perseverance
- gratitude
- bilingualism
- identity and pride
About this book
This bilingual picture book presents an alphabet of short poems in Spanish and English celebrating farm life, nature, and the people who harvest our food. Vivid paintings pair with simple, lyrical verses that highlight crops, seasons, and community. It’s a gentle, thoughtful read-aloud for young children and a great choice for bilingual classrooms. Kids enjoy the rich imagery, cultural pride, and the inviting A-to-Z structure that makes poetry feel approachable.
Setting: rural agricultural fields in the American Southwest/California, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gathering the sun right for my child?
Yes — Gathering the sun 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 family and community, farm life, nature and seasons.
How long does it take to read Gathering the sun?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Gathering the sun takes around 4m to finish. The book has 540 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Gathering the sun have an AR quiz?
Yes — Gathering the sun 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 Gathering the sun?
Gathering the sun 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.