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The AR Booklist
Thanksgiving on Thursday book cover

Thanksgiving on Thursday

by Mary Pope Osborne

National Geographic Books 2002

★★★★☆

Great fit for 3rd grade

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

3rd grade English Juvenile Fiction
1
AR Points
50m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Fantasy

Themes

  • gratitude
  • teamwork
  • respect for different cultures
  • problem-solving
  • history and learning
  • kindness
  • resourcefulness
  • community

About this book

Jack and Annie travel back to Plymouth in 1621, where they meet Pilgrims and Wampanoag people preparing for a harvest feast. With only their curiosity and courage, they pitch in to help—learning new skills and showing gratitude along the way. Blending adventure with real history, this Magic Tree House installment is friendly for newer chapter-book readers. Kids enjoy the fast pace, gentle humor, and the feeling of visiting a famous moment in American history.

Setting: Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts, 1621 (the first Thanksgiving)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Thanksgiving on Thursday right for my child?

Yes — Thanksgiving on Thursday 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 gratitude, teamwork, respect for different cultures.

How long does it take to read Thanksgiving on Thursday?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Thanksgiving on Thursday takes around 50m to finish. The book has 6,700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Thanksgiving on Thursday have an AR quiz?

Yes — Thanksgiving on Thursday has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Thanksgiving on Thursday?

Thanksgiving on Thursday 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.