Oskar and the Eight Blessings
by Tanya Simon, Richard Simon
Roaring Brook Press 2015
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- kindness and empathy
- immigration and refugees
- hope and resilience
- family and belonging
- religious and cultural identity
- courage
- community
- holidays (Hanukkah/Christmas)
About this book
A young Jewish boy fleeing Nazi Germany arrives in New York City on the seventh night of Hanukkah, which also happens to be Christmas Eve, 1938. As Oskar walks the length of Manhattan to find an aunt he has never met, strangers offer small acts of kindness that light his way. This gentle, beautifully illustrated story introduces history through a child’s eyes while celebrating empathy, hope, and the power of community. Perfect for shared reading around the holidays and for starting conversations about immigration and caring for others.
Setting: Manhattan, New York City, Christmas Eve and the seventh night of Hanukkah, 1938
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oskar and the Eight Blessings right for my child?
Yes — Oskar and the Eight Blessings is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.3, 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 kindness and empathy, immigration and refugees, hope and resilience.
How long does it take to read Oskar and the Eight Blessings?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Oskar and the Eight Blessings takes around 7m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Oskar and the Eight Blessings have an AR quiz?
Yes — Oskar and the Eight Blessings 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 Oskar and the Eight Blessings?
Oskar and the Eight Blessings has an AR reading level of 3.3, 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.