Hershel and the Hanukkah goblins
by Eric A. Kimmel
Scholastic Inc 1989
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- cleverness and trickery
- tradition and faith
- community
- good vs. evil
- perseverance
- holiday spirit
- problem-solving
About this book
When goblins keep a village from celebrating Hanukkah, a clever traveler named Hershel arrives with courage and quick thinking. Each night he faces a new challenge, using his wits to outsmart spooky tricksters and bring back the holiday lights. This folktale blends gentle suspense, humor, and rich cultural details, making it a favorite read-aloud for families and classrooms. Perfect for young readers who enjoy stories of bravery and problem-solving with a festive, wintry feel.
Setting: a snowy Eastern European village during Hanukkah
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hershel and the Hanukkah goblins right for my child?
Yes — Hershel and the Hanukkah goblins is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.5, 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 courage, cleverness and trickery, tradition and faith.
How long does it take to read Hershel and the Hanukkah goblins?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Hershel and the Hanukkah goblins takes around 11m to finish. The book has 1,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hershel and the Hanukkah goblins have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hershel and the Hanukkah goblins 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 Hershel and the Hanukkah goblins?
Hershel and the Hanukkah goblins has an AR reading level of 3.5, 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.