The Big Book for Peace
by Ann Durell, Marilyn Sachs
Dutton Children's Books 1990
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include nonviolence
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Genre
Themes
- peace
- empathy
- conflict resolution
- kindness
- community
- nonviolence
- diversity
- responsibility
About this book
This illustrated anthology gathers seventeen stories and poems by celebrated authors and artists to explore what peace looks like in everyday life. From gentle fables to realistic vignettes, the selections invite readers to think about kindness, empathy, and how small choices can change the world. With contributions from names like Jean Fritz and Maurice Sendak, the book suits upper elementary and middle-grade readers and works well for reading aloud or discussion. Kids enjoy the variety of voices, the memorable artwork, and the hopeful, thought-provoking message.
Setting: Various times and places across multiple short stories and poems
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Big Book for Peace right for my child?
Yes — The Big Book for Peace is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include peace, empathy, conflict resolution.
How long does it take to read The Big Book for Peace?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Big Book for Peace takes around 2.8h to finish. The book has 28,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Big Book for Peace have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Big Book for Peace has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 The Big Book for Peace?
The Big Book for Peace has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.