Merry Christmas, Miss McConnell!
by Colleen O'Shaughnessy McKenna
Scholastic Inc. 1990
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- kindness and generosity
- community
- friendship
- school life
- family
- holiday traditions
- empathy
- leadership
About this book
As the holidays approach, a close-knit class plans a special surprise for their favorite teacher, Miss McConnell. Between school projects, family pressures, and the scramble of the season, the kids learn how small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Warm and realistic, this story captures the bustle and excitement of December in an elementary classroom. It’s a feel-good read for middle graders who enjoy school stories with plenty of heart.
Setting: A small-town U.S. elementary school and neighborhood during the weeks leading up to Christmas, late 20th century
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merry Christmas, Miss McConnell! right for my child?
Yes — Merry Christmas, Miss McConnell! is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th 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 kindness and generosity, community, friendship.
How long does it take to read Merry Christmas, Miss McConnell!?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Merry Christmas, Miss McConnell! takes around 3.9h to finish. The book has 35,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Merry Christmas, Miss McConnell! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Merry Christmas, Miss McConnell! has an AR quiz available, worth 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 Merry Christmas, Miss McConnell!?
Merry Christmas, Miss McConnell! has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th 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.