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The AR Booklist
Under the Sunday Tree book cover

Under the Sunday Tree

by Eloise Greenfield

Harper Collins 1991

Great fit for 3rd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

3rd grade English Juvenile Nonfiction
52
Pages
0.5
AR Points
8m
Read time
AR Quiz Available
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Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor (1988)ALA Notable Children’s Book (1988)Library of Congress Children’s Books (1989)

Genre

Poetry

Themes

  • family and community
  • cultural heritage
  • joy of everyday life
  • nature and seasons
  • music and rhythm
  • traditions
  • intergenerational bonds
  • identity and pride

About this book

This collection of 20 poems by Eloise Greenfield celebrates everyday life, love, and community in the Caribbean, brought to life by Amos Ferguson’s vibrant, folk-art paintings. Kids will feel the rhythm of family gatherings, music, food, and stories shared under the shade of the Sunday tree. The language is lyrical and accessible, perfect for reading aloud and for young readers exploring poetry. A warm, upbeat book that invites children to see beauty in culture, place, and people.

Setting: a contemporary Caribbean island community (inspired by the Bahamas)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Under the Sunday Tree right for my child?

Yes — Under the Sunday Tree is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.3, 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 and community, cultural heritage, joy of everyday life.

How long does it take to read Under the Sunday Tree?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Under the Sunday Tree takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Under the Sunday Tree have an AR quiz?

Yes — Under the Sunday 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 Sunday Tree?

Under the Sunday Tree has an AR reading level of 3.3, 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.