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The Empty Pot book cover

The Empty Pot

by Demi

Henry Holt and Company (BYR) 2007

★★★★★

Great fit for 3rd grade

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

3rd grade English Juvenile Fiction
36
Pages
0.5
AR Points
5m
Read time
AR Quiz Available
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Genre

Picture book fable

Themes

  • honesty
  • integrity
  • courage
  • character and leadership
  • perseverance
  • truth and trust
  • humility

About this book

In ancient China, flower-loving Ping receives a single seed from the Emperor, who will choose his heir based on the children’s results after a year. Despite his careful tending, Ping’s seed never sprouts. Honoring the truth, he presents an empty pot—an act of honesty that reveals the Emperor’s real test and Ping’s true character.

Setting: Ancient China; the Emperor’s palace and gardens over the course of a year

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 5m to finish. The book has 730 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.