Under the Christmas Tree
by Nikki Grimes
HarperCollins Publishers 2002
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family traditions
- holiday spirit
- community
- generosity and giving
- faith and celebration
- joy and gratitude
- identity and representation
About this book
This warm collection of 23 poems follows one African-American family as they prepare for and celebrate Christmas. Nikki Grimes’s lyrical voice captures small, joyful moments—stringing lights, singing carols, sharing food, and giving from the heart. Gentle rhythms and vivid imagery make it a cozy read-aloud for younger readers and a rich poetry experience for early elementary students. Families will appreciate the focus on tradition, community, and the true spirit of the season.
Setting: a contemporary African-American family’s home and neighborhood at Christmastime
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Under the Christmas Tree right for my child?
Yes — Under the Christmas Tree is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.7, 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 traditions, holiday spirit, community.
How long does it take to read Under the Christmas Tree?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Under the Christmas Tree takes around 7m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Under the Christmas Tree have an AR quiz?
Yes — Under the Christmas Tree 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 Under the Christmas Tree?
Under the Christmas Tree has an AR reading level of 3.7, 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.