The Princess of Borscht
by Leda Schubert
Macmillan 2011
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family
- community
- perseverance
- problem-solving
- kindness
- cultural traditions
- intergenerational relationships
- food and cooking
About this book
When Ruthie’s beloved grandmother is hospitalized with pneumonia, she asks for one thing to help her feel better: homemade borscht by 5 o’clock. Without the secret recipe, Ruthie turns to her neighbors and her own determination to recreate the soup from memory. This warm, funny picture book celebrates family, food, and the power of community. It’s a cozy read-aloud for kids who enjoy stories about helping others and trying something new in the kitchen.
Setting: a contemporary neighborhood and a hospital
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Princess of Borscht right for my child?
Yes — The Princess of Borscht is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.2, 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 family, community, perseverance.
How long does it take to read The Princess of Borscht?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, The Princess of Borscht takes around 7m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Princess of Borscht have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Princess of Borscht 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 Princess of Borscht?
The Princess of Borscht has an AR reading level of 3.2, 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.