Looking at liberty
by Harvey Stevenson
HarperCollinsPublishers 2003
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- freedom
- immigration
- community
- diversity
- patriotism
- identity
- hope
About this book
This picture book celebrates the Statue of Liberty and what it means to people who see it from different places and perspectives around New York Harbor. Through simple text and evocative paintings, young readers explore ideas of freedom, welcome, and community. It’s a gentle introduction to an American symbol that works well for read‑alouds and early independent readers. Kids enjoy the rich artwork and the inviting glimpses of everyday life around a landmark they recognize.
Setting: New York City and New York Harbor around the Statue of Liberty, modern day with historical echoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Looking at liberty right for my child?
Yes — Looking at liberty 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 freedom, immigration, community.
How long does it take to read Looking at liberty?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Looking at liberty takes around 7m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Looking at liberty have an AR quiz?
Yes — Looking at liberty 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 Looking at liberty?
Looking at liberty 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.