This Is the Star
by Joyce Dunbar
Doubleday 1996
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- faith
- wonder
- hope
- family
- tradition
- celebration
- community
- the Nativity
About this book
A gentle, cumulative poem retells the Nativity story, building verse by verse as the star shines over Bethlehem. Luminous illustrations and a rhythmic, read-aloud structure invite young listeners to join in and anticipate each repeated line. Perfect for holiday storytime, it offers a peaceful, reverent tone that families appreciate. Ideal for young readers who enjoy lyrical language and comforting, predictable patterns.
Setting: Bethlehem on the first Christmas night
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Is the Star right for my child?
Yes — This Is the Star is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.4, 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 faith, wonder, hope.
How long does it take to read This Is the Star?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, This Is the Star takes around 5m to finish. The book has 650 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does This Is the Star have an AR quiz?
Yes — This Is the Star 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 This Is the Star?
This Is the Star has an AR reading level of 3.4, 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.