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The AR Booklist
Raven book cover

Raven

by Gerald McDermott

Scholastic 2001

Great fit for 3rd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

3rd grade English
32
Pages
0.5
AR Points
5m
Read time
AR Quiz Available
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Caldecott Honor

Genre

Folklore

Themes

  • trickster tales
  • ingenuity
  • creation myths
  • light vs. darkness
  • cultural heritage
  • transformation
  • generosity and sharing

About this book

Gerald McDermott retells a classic Pacific Northwest Native American legend about Raven, the clever trickster who brings light to a world of darkness. Bold, geometric artwork and rhythmic language make this an engaging read‑aloud. Perfect for early elementary readers, it introduces folklore, culture, and problem‑solving in an accessible way. Kids are drawn to Raven’s wit, the dramatic visuals, and the satisfying triumph of light over dark.

Setting: mythic Pacific Northwest in a traditional Native story world

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raven right for my child?

Yes — Raven 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 trickster tales, ingenuity, creation myths.

How long does it take to read Raven?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Raven takes around 5m to finish. The book has 620 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Raven have an AR quiz?

Yes — Raven 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 Raven?

Raven 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.