Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner
by Angela Dalton
HarperCollins 2021
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family traditions
- food and culture
- belonging
- intergenerational relationships
- perseverance
- community
- celebration
- identity
About this book
Ruby can’t wait for her family’s annual reunion—and she’s determined to contribute a special dish to the dinner just like everyone else. As she moves from kitchen to backyard, she learns about the stories and traditions behind each recipe. Lively, warm illustrations and rich food vocabulary make this a joyful read‑aloud that celebrates Black family culture. Perfect for young listeners and early readers who enjoy books about family, food, and finding your place.
Setting: a contemporary African American family reunion at home and in the backyard during summer
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner right for my child?
Yes — Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.1, 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 family traditions, food and culture, belonging.
How long does it take to read Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner takes around 7m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner 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 Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner?
Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner has an AR reading level of 3.1, 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.