Hanukkah Bear
by Eric A. Kimmel
National Geographic Books 2020
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- holiday traditions
- mistaken identity
- kindness and generosity
- intergenerational friendship
- community
- humor
- hospitality
- cultural heritage
About this book
Bubba Brayna makes the best latkes in the village, and their delicious smell brings an unexpected visitor to her door on the first night of Hanukkah. Mistaking the friendly, hungry guest for her rabbi, she welcomes him to spin the dreidel, light candles, and share a festive meal. Told with warmth and humor, this playful tale introduces Hanukkah traditions in a way young readers can enjoy. Perfect for storytime, it celebrates community, kindness, and the joy of holiday foods.
Setting: a snowy village during Hanukkah
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hanukkah Bear right for my child?
Yes — Hanukkah Bear is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.8, which is typical for 2nd 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 holiday traditions, mistaken identity, kindness and generosity.
How long does it take to read Hanukkah Bear?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Hanukkah Bear takes around 8m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hanukkah Bear have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hanukkah Bear 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 Hanukkah Bear?
Hanukkah Bear has an AR reading level of 2.8, which places it at a 2nd 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.