The Empty Pot
by Demi
Macmillan 2007
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- honesty
- integrity
- courage
- perseverance
- responsibility
- character education
- truth vs. deception
- self-acceptance
About this book
Ping loves growing flowers, so he’s excited when the Emperor gives every child a special seed and a chance to show their skill. No matter how carefully he tends his pot, nothing will grow—and Ping must decide whether to tell the truth. Set in imperial China with luminous artwork, this gentle tale celebrates honesty and courage. A perfect read‑aloud for character education and discussions about integrity.
Setting: imperial China, palace and gardens
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Empty Pot right for my child?
Yes — The Empty Pot is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.5, 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 honesty, integrity, courage.
How long does it take to read The Empty Pot?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, The Empty Pot takes around 6m to finish. The book has 750 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Empty Pot have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Empty Pot 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 The Empty Pot?
The Empty Pot has an AR reading level of 3.5, 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.