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The AR Booklist
Leaves book cover

Leaves

by David Ezra Stein

Scholastic 2008

★★★☆☆

Great fit for 1st grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

1st grade English
32
Pages
0.5
AR Points
3m
Read time
AR Quiz Available
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Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • seasons and nature
  • curiosity
  • change and growth
  • wonder
  • patience
  • comfort and coziness
  • learning about the world

About this book

A curious young bear notices that the leaves on the trees are changing and falling, and he isn’t quite sure what to make of it. With gentle humor and simple, poetic text, the story follows his first experience of autumn and the natural world. The warm, expressive art and cozy tone make it a perfect read-aloud for preschoolers and early elementary kids. Families love how it introduces seasons, change, and patience in a calm, reassuring way.

Setting: a quiet woodland through autumn into spring

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leaves right for my child?

Yes — Leaves is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.2, which is typical for 1st 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 seasons and nature, curiosity, change and growth.

How long does it take to read Leaves?

At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Leaves takes around 3m to finish. The book has 220 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Leaves have an AR quiz?

Yes — Leaves 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 Leaves?

Leaves has an AR reading level of 1.2, which places it at a 1st 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.