The People Could Fly: The Picture Book
Dragonfly Books 2015
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- freedom
- resilience
- hope
- imagination
- oppression
- cultural heritage
- community
- folklore and myth
About this book
This lyrical folktale tells of enslaved Africans who remember an ancient magic that lets them rise into the air and escape to freedom. Those who cannot fly hold fast to the story itself, passing it down as a source of strength and hope. Virginia Hamilton’s powerful voice pairs with Leo and Diane Dillon’s dramatic art to create a moving, memorable read-aloud. It’s perfect for family or classroom discussions about history, resilience, and the power of stories.
Setting: plantation-era American South within a mythic, folkloric frame
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The People Could Fly: The Picture Book right for my child?
Yes — The People Could Fly: The Picture Book is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.6, 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 freedom, resilience, hope.
How long does it take to read The People Could Fly: The Picture Book?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, The People Could Fly: The Picture Book takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,038 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The People Could Fly: The Picture Book have an AR quiz?
Yes — The People Could Fly: The Picture Book 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 People Could Fly: The Picture Book?
The People Could Fly: The Picture Book has an AR reading level of 3.6, 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.