Jewels
by Belinda Rochelle
Dutton Juvenile 1998
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family heritage
- intergenerational relationships
- African-American history
- oral storytelling
- identity
- memory
- traditions
- love and belonging
About this book
Each summer, Lea Mae visits her great-grandmother, 'Ma Dear, who shares sparkling stories about their ancestors and the lives they lived. These family tales—called “jewels”—connect Lea Mae to African-American history and to the strength of the people who came before her. Gentle, evocative text and illustrations invite children to listen, ask questions, and value their own family stories. A warm read-aloud for grades 1–4 that encourages pride, memory, and intergenerational bonds.
Setting: a great-grandmother’s home in the American South; memories spanning generations
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jewels right for my child?
Yes — Jewels is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.8, 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 heritage, intergenerational relationships, African-American history.
How long does it take to read Jewels?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Jewels takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Jewels have an AR quiz?
Yes — Jewels 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 Jewels?
Jewels has an AR reading level of 3.8, 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.