Little Cliff and the cold place
by Clifton L. Taulbert
Dial Books for Young Readers 2002
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- family and community
- intergenerational relationships
- responsibility
- overcoming fear
- African American life
- everyday heroes
- Southern life
About this book
Set in the 1950s Mississippi Delta, Little Cliff is asked to visit the town’s ‘cold place’—the chilly store room where ice is kept—an errand that feels big and a little scary. With gentle encouragement from Mama Pearl and the porch-sitting neighbors who always cheer him on, Cliff discovers he can be brave and responsible. Warm, realistic illustrations and lyrical language bring community and everyday childhood courage to life. Perfect for young readers who enjoy family stories, rich sense of place, and overcoming small fears.
Setting: small-town Mississippi Delta, 1950s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Little Cliff and the cold place right for my child?
Yes — Little Cliff and the cold place is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.7, 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, family and community, intergenerational relationships.
How long does it take to read Little Cliff and the cold place?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Little Cliff and the cold place takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Little Cliff and the cold place have an AR quiz?
Yes — Little Cliff and the cold place 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 Little Cliff and the cold place?
Little Cliff and the cold place has an AR reading level of 3.7, 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.