Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Indian corn
by Edna Barth, Ursula Arndt
Seabury Press 2000
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- holiday traditions
- American history
- myth vs. reality
- cultural symbols
- gratitude and harvest
- Pilgrims and Wampanoag
- folklore
- critical thinking
About this book
This lively nonfiction book explores the origins and meanings behind Thanksgiving’s most familiar symbols—turkeys, Pilgrims, Indian corn, parades, and more. Edna Barth traces how myths and facts became entwined, offering clear historical context about the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. Engaging illustrations and short, readable chapters make it accessible for middle-grade readers and classroom use. Kids who enjoy holidays, history, and the stories behind traditions will find plenty to discover.
Setting: colonial New England and the United States across later centuries
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Indian corn right for my child?
Yes — Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Indian corn is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.6, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include holiday traditions, American history, myth vs. reality.
How long does it take to read Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Indian corn?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Indian corn takes around 1.7h to finish. The book has 18,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Indian corn have an AR quiz?
Yes — Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Indian corn has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Indian corn?
Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Indian corn has an AR reading level of 6.6, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.