I Saw Esau
The Schoolchild's Pocket Book
by Iona Archibald Opie, Peter Opie
Candlewick Press (MA) 2000
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- childhood folklore
- humor and wordplay
- teasing and social dynamics
- identity and belonging
- tradition and cultural transmission
- school life
- resilience
- language and rhyme
About this book
This lively collection gathers the rhymes, chants, riddles, and taunts that children have shared on playgrounds for generations. Selected by noted folklorists Iona and Peter Opie, the verses celebrate the humor, wit, and wordplay of real schoolyard culture. Kids enjoy the cheeky jokes and quick rhythms, while adults appreciate the cultural notes and the way the book preserves an oral tradition. Ideal for browsing, reading aloud, and sparking conversations about how kids make their own folklore.
Setting: schoolyards and playgrounds; traditional rhymes from Britain and beyond
Frequently Asked Questions
Is I Saw Esau right for my child?
Yes — I Saw Esau is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include childhood folklore, humor and wordplay, teasing and social dynamics.
How long does it take to read I Saw Esau?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, I Saw Esau takes around 1.2h to finish. The book has 12,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does I Saw Esau have an AR quiz?
Yes — I Saw Esau has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 I Saw Esau?
I Saw Esau has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.