Over the green hills
Julia MacRae 1992
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family and intergenerational bonds
- journey and exploration
- community life
- cultural traditions
- nature and the outdoors
- love and belonging
About this book
A young girl walks with her mother over rolling green hills to visit her grandmother in a rural African village. Along the way, she notices people working, animals grazing, and the everyday rhythms of community life. Rachel Isadora’s warm, expressive art and simple text create a gentle journey that invites children to look closely and appreciate family and place. Perfect for read-alouds with early elementary readers who enjoy quiet, reflective stories.
Setting: rural southern Africa, present day; village paths and rolling green hills
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Over the green hills right for my child?
Yes — Over the green hills is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.7, which is typical for 2nd 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 family and intergenerational bonds, journey and exploration, community life.
How long does it take to read Over the green hills?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Over the green hills takes around 5m to finish. The book has 600 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Over the green hills have an AR quiz?
Yes — Over the green hills 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 Over the green hills?
Over the green hills has an AR reading level of 2.7, which places it at a 2nd 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.