The Polar Express
by Chris Van Allsburg
36 Total Resources 4 Awards View Text Complexity Discover Like Books
- Grade
- PK-5
- Genre
- Holiday
- Picture Book
- Science Fiction / Fantasy
Year Published 1985
Word Count 1,054
- Text Complexity
- Lexile Level: 520L
- ATOS Reading Level: 3.8
- AR Quiz Numbers
- Quiz 5240, 0.5 AR Points
- OverDrive Digital Book Details Explore on Marketplace
- Curricular Area
- Art
- English Language Arts
- Lists With This Book
- Comforting Classics
- Let it Snow
Our Original Resources 7
Meet-the-Author Recording with Chris Van Allsburg about The Polar Express
Created by TeachingBooks
Audio Name Pronunciation with Chris Van Allsburg
Created by TeachingBooks
In-depth Written Interview with Chris Van Allsburg
Created by TeachingBooks
Story Map Multi-Leveled Lesson
Created by TeachingBooks
Cultural Representation Reflection
Created by TeachingBooks
View Comprehensive Text Complexity Measures
Created by TeachingBooks
Submit Qualitative Text Complexity Rubric
Created by TeachingBooks
Book Guides, Activities & Lessons 14
Story Map Multi-Leveled Lesson
Created by TeachingBooks
Cultural Representation Reflection
Created by TeachingBooks
Activity Packet from Novel Effect
Created by Novel Effect
Comprehension Questions from Mrs. Catherwood
Created by Mrs. Catherwood

Activities from Education World
Created by Education World

Teacher Guide from Harcourt
Created by Harcourt

Activity Guide from HarperCollins
Created by HarperCollins

American Sign Language and English (Bilingual) Bilingual Teaching Unit - American Sign Language/English from Statewide Outreach Center
Created by Statewide Outreach Center
Physical Education Activities from PE Central
Created by PE Central

Lesson Plan from Bright Hub Education
Created by Bright Hub Education
Lesson Plan from The Teacher's Corner
Created by The Teacher's Corner
Teaching Ideas from Teaching Heart
Created by Teaching Heart

Activity Kit from Harcourt
Created by Harcourt
Lesson Plan from MathStories.com
Created by MathStories.com
Book Readings 2

Complete Video Reading in American Sign Language and English (Bilingual) narrated by Russell Harvard
Created by Educational Resource Center on Deafness
Audiobook Excerpt narrated by various narrators
Created by GPR Records
Book Trailers 1

Video Book Trailer from Mariner Books
Created by Mariner Books
Book & Adaptation Websites 2
Awards & Distinctions 4

Randolph Caldecott Medal, 1938-2023
Winner, 1986

Best Illustrated Children’s Books, 1952-2022
Selection, 1985

CCBC Choices
Selection, 1985
Images courtesy of publishers, organizations, and sometimes their Twitter handles.