Grandma Lena's Big Ol' Turnip
by Denia Lewis Hester
Albert Whitman & Company 2005
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family
- teamwork
- perseverance
- community
- gardening
- problem-solving
- humor
- folktale retelling
About this book
Grandma Lena tends her garden with pride, and one special turnip grows bigger than anyone expects. When it’s time to pull it up, the whole family—Grandpa, Aunt Netty, Uncle Izzy, Baby Pearl, and even the dog—joins in to help. This lively retelling of a classic folktale celebrates family, teamwork, and perseverance with plenty of humor. Perfect for read-alouds with young readers who enjoy rhythmic, repeatable lines and cheerful illustrations.
Setting: a family garden in a contemporary small-town neighborhood
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grandma Lena's Big Ol' Turnip right for my child?
Yes — Grandma Lena's Big Ol' Turnip is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 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, teamwork, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Grandma Lena's Big Ol' Turnip?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Grandma Lena's Big Ol' Turnip takes around 6m to finish. The book has 800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Grandma Lena's Big Ol' Turnip have an AR quiz?
Yes — Grandma Lena's Big Ol' Turnip 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 Grandma Lena's Big Ol' Turnip?
Grandma Lena's Big Ol' Turnip has an AR reading level of 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.