Henry and the kite dragon
by Bruce Edward Hall
Philomel Books 2004
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- cultural understanding
- community
- conflict resolution
- empathy
- immigration
- tradition and art
- friendship
- respect
About this book
Set in New York City’s Chinatown and Little Italy in the 1920s, Henry helps kindly Mr. Chin craft magnificent kites shaped like dragons. When neighborhood kids from across the way keep ruining the kites, tensions rise and Henry looks for a way to make peace. This historical picture book highlights how misunderstandings can grow between communities—and how listening can bring people together. Ideal for early elementary readers who enjoy vivid art, kites, and true-to-life neighborhood stories.
Setting: Chinatown and Little Italy, New York City, 1920s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Henry and the kite dragon right for my child?
Yes — Henry and the kite dragon is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.7, 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 cultural understanding, community, conflict resolution.
How long does it take to read Henry and the kite dragon?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Henry and the kite dragon takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Henry and the kite dragon have an AR quiz?
Yes — Henry and the kite dragon 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 Henry and the kite dragon?
Henry and the kite dragon has an AR reading level of 3.7, 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.