Watching the sun
by Edana Eckart
Children's Press 2004
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- observation
- nature’s patterns
- day and night
- sun and shadows
- seasons
- scientific inquiry
- curiosity
- safety
About this book
This simple nonfiction reader introduces young children to the Sun—our nearest star—and the many ways it affects our days. Clear photos and short sentences show how sunlight brings warmth and light, creates shadows, and changes from sunrise to sunset. The book also reminds readers how to observe the Sun safely. It’s a friendly introduction to basic earth and space science for new and developing readers.
Setting: real-world outdoor observations of the daytime sky
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Watching the sun right for my child?
Yes — Watching the sun is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.7, which is typical for 1st 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 observation, nature’s patterns, day and night.
How long does it take to read Watching the sun?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Watching the sun takes around 4m to finish. The book has 300 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Watching the sun have an AR quiz?
Yes — Watching the sun 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 Watching the sun?
Watching the sun has an AR reading level of 1.7, which places it at a 1st 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.