Lily Cupboard
by Shulamith L. Oppenheim
HarperCollins,U.S. 1998
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.1 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- survival
- friendship
- hope
- resistance
- family separation
- kindness of strangers
- identity
About this book
In this quietly powerful picture book set during World War II, a young Jewish girl is sent to live with strangers in the Dutch countryside for safety. A small cupboard painted with lilies becomes a symbol of comfort and courage as she learns to trust and adapt to a new life in hiding. Gentle text and evocative watercolor art convey the fear and hope of the time in a way that’s accessible to children. Perfect for family or classroom discussions about bravery, kindness, and history.
Setting: occupied Netherlands (rural Dutch countryside), early 1940s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lily Cupboard right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Lily Cupboard. The reading level is AR 3.1, which is typical for 3rd 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 courage, survival, friendship.
How long does it take to read Lily Cupboard?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Lily Cupboard takes around 7m to finish. The book has 1,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Lily Cupboard have an AR quiz?
Yes — Lily Cupboard 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 Lily Cupboard?
Lily Cupboard has an AR reading level of 3.1, which places it at a 3rd 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.