Pura Belpré
by Annette M. Clayton
Carson-Dellosa Publishing 2023
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- community
- inclusion
- storytelling
- cultural heritage
- bilingualism
- leadership
- perseverance
- literacy
About this book
This early biography introduces young readers to Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. It highlights how her bilingual storytelling and community outreach welcomed Hispanic families into the library and made everyone feel included. With simple text and supportive visuals, it’s a great choice for emerging readers learning about trailblazers and cultural heritage. Kids enjoy the inspiring message that one person’s stories can build community and open doors for others.
Setting: New York City public libraries and Puerto Rican community, 1920s–1960s
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pura Belpré right for my child?
Yes — Pura Belpré 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 community, inclusion, storytelling.
How long does it take to read Pura Belpré?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Pura Belpré takes around 7m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Pura Belpré have an AR quiz?
Yes — Pura Belpré 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 Pura Belpré?
Pura Belpré 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.