GARY PAULSEN BOOKS at the 2nd Grade reading level

Gary Paulsen has written some lovely books for very young readers. These books can be shared and integrated in social studies and science classes. They can also be used as practice readers.

There are no books at the 1st Grade level, but here is a delightful Non-Fiction book at the 2nd Grade level which is available in Spanish as well as English.  To Find Part I of Gary Paulsen books at the 3rd Grade level, click here.

3.66 STARS from 28 GoodReaders

All 5 STARS from Amazon Reviewers

THE TORTILLA FACTORY is a beautiful little book from the Paulsens. With warm artwork and poetic text it describes how tortillas come from corn which is grown in the soil. And how that corn, when ground, makes its way from the fields to the kitchen table.

The Black Earth sleeps in winter.
But in the spring the black earth
is worked by brown hands
that plant yellow seeds,
which become green plants in rustling in the wind
and make golden corn to dry in
hot sun and be ground into flour
for the tortilla factory.

This slim volume is not only a great poetic read-aloud, it's useful. With text and pictures it introduces young children to patterns of life that they might not be aware of. It describes how the planting of corn is cyclical and in the rhythm of the seasons; and how the ground corn grain moves through our society so that it eventually nourishes those who grow it.

THE TORTILLA FACTORY
also here

Reading Information:
Word Count: 142
Page Count: 32
Accelerated Reader: 2.7 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 18383
--sample pages available
--other reviews available

La Tortillería

Brief Description: Las tortillas son clásicas de la cultura mexicana, ¿cómo se hacen? ¿con qué se hacen? Conoce esto y más en este interesante y poético libro.

Reading Information:
Word Count: 142
Page Count: 32
Accelerated Reading level: 2.7 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 18383 SP
Lexile: 510L

To Find Gary Paulsen books for young children at the 3rd Grade level, click here.

compiled by Pam
updated July 2014

Topic: DIRT BIKE books at the 2nd Grade Reading Level

Dirt Biking looks like so much fun that many children are curious about the sport. The following books are at the easiest reading level I could locate--Second Grade reading level.  You should check for them at the library and in the used book section because they are rather pricey when new. 

Dirt Bikes
(Motorcycles: Made for Speed)
by Connor Dayton

Simple text discusses the history of dirt bike racing and the culture of the riders.

Reading Information:
Word Count: 163
Page Count: 24
Accelerated Reading level: 2.0 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 113419

also available in Spanish/English version
Dirt Bikes (Bilingual)

Let's Go By Motorcycle
 by Anders Hanson

This book talks about motorcycles in general, but definitely includes some pages on dirt bikes. 

For reasonable prices check the used books.

Word Count: 117
Page Count: 24
Accelerated Reader: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 116676

Dirt Bikes
(Horsepower)
by Matt Doeden

4.2 Stars from 5 GoodReaders

Very basic information.  More suitable for younger children reading above age level.

Word Count: 294
Page Count:  32
Accelerated Reader: 2.5 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 79465
Lexile: 660L


compiled by Pam
updated June 2014

Topic: PURIM - books for 1st and 2nd Grade Readers

Purim is a joyous celebration and fun holiday. It's a celebration with origins in the Book of Esther. The story tells how brave Esther saved her people from the machinations of Haman, an arrogant and egotistical advisor to the king of Persia.

There is good information at the following sites:

Judaism 101 (http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday9.htm)
Purim (http://www.aish.com/h/pur/f/48970006.html)Here is our list of Practice Readers for First and Second Grade level readers with Purim as the focus.

**all ratings from GoodReads

Purim
(Rookie Read-About Holidays)
by Carmen Bredeson

This book uses photos to introduce children to the Jewish holiday of Purim, which commemorates Queen Esther of Persia and how she saved the Jews.

Reading Information:
Word Count: 301
Page Count: 32
Accelerated Reader: 1.9 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 7471
--sample pages available

Barnyard Purim
by Kelly Terwilliger
Johansen Newman (Illustrator)

4.00 avg rating — 8 ratings 

In this cute book is very popular with Amazon.com reviewers which have given it very high ratings.  In the story farmer Max goes off to a 'Purimspiel', which gives the animals the idea to do their own play. 

What they don't know is that fox is going to try to make trouble.

Word Count: 1,052
Page Count: 32
Accelerated Reader:  2.5 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 149751
-- available as ebook


compiled by Pam
updated March 2014

BIRDIE'S BIG-GIRL / Sujean Rim series reading information

Sujean Rim uses playful watercolors and clever textured cut-paper designs to create a series for fashion forward children.

**all ratings from GoodReads 


BIRDIE'S BIG-GIRL SHOES

3.79 avg rating — 114 ratings

Birdie loves glitter and glam, and she can't help but admire her mom's closet full of big girl high heel shoes.  The peep toes and even crocodile pumps seem so cool. 

She fantasizes about wearing mommy's shoes until she spends the day in them.  Then she discovers that playing is easier and more fun in bare feet.

Reading Information:
Word Count: 393
Page Count: 40
Accelerated Reader: 2.4 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 133993

BIRDIE'S BIG-GIRL DRESS

3.31 avg rating — 90 ratings

It's Birdie's birthday and what she wants is a new fancy dress. Mom takes her to a glamorous boutique where she tries on all kinds of wondrous gowns. But it isn't long before she realizes that these kind of dresses will make it hard to run and jump and have fun.

It appears she's out of luck until she goes to her thinking place in the attic.  It's there she realizes that it's easy to find the perfect dress.  If she uses her imagination.

Word Count: 478
Page Count: 40
Accelerated Reader:  2.4 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 146575


BIRDIE'S BIG-GIRL HAIR

3.50 avg rating — 12 ratings

In this book mom announces that it's time for Birdie's first hair cut.  Birdie is excited and asks if she can go through some of mommy's magazines so she can pick the perfect look.

Birdie then fantasizes about all sorts of fancy looks, including looking like a movie star with a sleek chignon.

Going to the playground though, makes her realize that her fancy hair isn't as rough and rugged as she is.  Mom tells her though that she and her flat hair is just perfect... because it's all Birdie.

Page Count: 40
no reading information currently available
--for sample pages and review follow the link. Follow it!

Your young reader might also be interested in the FANCY NANCY books. (First, Second, Third and Fourth Grade levels)

compiled by Pam
updated February 2014 

LING AND TING books reading information

 Grace Lin's  LING & TING books feature a pair of twins who are and aren't the same. There is humor and love in the stories, and they make for nice introductory chapter books.

**all ratings from GoodReads

LING AND TING: NOT EXACTLY THE SAME
by Grace Lin

3.77 avg rating — 638 ratings

There are 6 stories in this book which features text that is still good sized.  What I like, besides the humor, is how some things are easy for one child and not the other.  This was the case with my own children and it was always nice to have examples to show them that it works that way for others too.

STORIES

The Haircuts
The Magic Trick
Making Dumplings
Chopsticks
The Library Book
Mixed Up

Notice that some pages have a lot of text, while others have very little.  If you have a child who's a bit intimidated by lots of words, take turns reading, with you taking the pages that have the most text.

Reading Information:
Word Count: 887
Page Count:  48
Accelerated Reader: 1.8 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 137469
Lexile: 390L

LING AND TING:WE SHARE A BIRTHDAY
by Grace Lin

3.91 avg rating — 43 ratings

In this book the girls' share birthday fun.  Everything from receiving gifts, to baking cakes, and sharing wishes.  

Again, the focus is on how the girls are alike, and yet their own persons.

Word Count: 1,158
Page Count:  48
Accelerated Reader: 2.0 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 160656

compiled by Pam

JUNIE B. JONES series reading information

Barbara Park (1947-2013) will be long remembered for the joy she has given young readers.  Junie B. Jones is an iconic character, full of fun and spunk.

These books are great practice readers for those ready for chapter books (averaging about 66 to 80 pages), and they also make for good Read-alouds (usually under 30 minutes).

*Adults should note that the grammar that is used is awful.  The book sounds like it was written by Kindergartener, and lots of moms find this annoying.  The other thing you should know is that Junie's behavior is not exemplary. Kids love this because Junie gets to do things they don't. But again moms and dads can find this grating.

**all ratings from GoodReads 
***This list feature the first 10 books in the series

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

3.85 avg rating — 8,955 ratings

Kindergarten is kind of scary and Junie isn't thrilled with the bus. So when it comes time to go home, she doesn't!  (She hides in a closet and falls asleep!)

Reading Information:
Word Count: 6,570
Accelerated Reading level: 2.9 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 6324
Lexile: 380L


Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business

3.90 avg rating — 5,825 ratings

Junie has a new baby brother. This means a lot of commotion, of course, but things get crazy thought then she misunderstands her grandmother and thinks that the baby is an actual monkey.

Word Count: 6,603
Accelerated Reading level: 2.9 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 6323
Lexile: 410L
--sample pages and reviews available

You can Check prices and availability here
Junie B. has a ton of adventures! This link will take you to amazon Star ratings, sample pages... and more.

Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth

 3.90 avg rating — 5,640 ratings

Job Day is coming!  And Junie gets in trouble when she brags that she will represent the best job in the world.  Only problem is she doesn't know what it is.

*This book actually has a moral.  Junie ends up going as a janitor after her mother teaches her that no one should be looked down on because of their job.

Word Count: 5,509
Accelerated Reader:  3.0 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 9266
Lexile: 420L

Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying

3.95 avg rating — 4,777 ratings

Junie has sneaky feet that allow her to be a great spy. That, of course, gets her into trouble.

Word Count: 6,059
Accelerated Reading level: 2.9 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 14676 
Lexile: 410L

Junie B. Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake

3.91 avg rating — 4,650 ratings

Junie wins a Cake Walk and things seem so wonderful as she chooses 'the bestest cake'.  When she gets it home though... it's a cake to end all cakes.  Yuck!

Word Count: 7,459
Accelerated Reading level: 2.7 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 14678
Lexile: 400L

Junie B. Jones books  are generally less than $5 dollars and they are available as CD/Book combos.

Junie B. Jones & That Meanie Jim's Birthday
3.90 avg rating — 3,634 ratings
Word Count: 8,103
Accelerated Reader:  2.8 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 14677
Lexile: 370L 

Junie B. Jones Loves Handsome Warren
3.97 avg rating — 4,869 ratings
Word Count: 6,030
Accelerated Reading level: 2.7 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 12775
Lexile: 310L


Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed
3.90 avg rating — 4,629 ratings
Word Count: 6,009
Accelerated Reading level: 2.7 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 17570
Lexile: 340L

Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook 
3.93 avg rating — 3,926 ratings
Word Count: 5,434
Accelerated Reading level: 3.0 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 17572
Lexile: 400L

Junie B. Jones Is a Party Animal
3.94 avg rating — 3,935 ratings
Word Count: 6,335
Accelerated Reading level: 2.8 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 17571
Lexile: 380L

compiled by Pam

RED KNIT CAP GIRL / Naoko Stoop reading information

RED KNIT CAP GIRL books are beautifully whimsical books to share with younger children.  The artwork is soft and soothing, making them suitable for bedtime.

I've created this list because slightly older children might be interested in reading them for themselves.

RED KNIT CAP GIRL
by Naoko Stoop

3.66 avg rating — 448 ratings

Red Knit Cap Girl lives in the forest with her many friends.  And in this first book, Naoko has they seeking out a way to meet the moon.

Reading Information:
Word Count: 577
Page Count:40
Accelerated Reader: 2.6 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 151892
--sample pages and reviews available

RED KNIT CAP GIRL TO THE RESCUE
by Naoko Stoop

In this book, White Bunny and RKCG return an adorable little polar bear to his mama.  Like it's predecessor, the artwork is entirely frameworthy.

I actually like this book much more than the first book.  It's has a much clearer story, and frame-worthy artwork.

Reading Information:
Page Count: 40
no reading information currently available
--sample pages and reviews available

compiled by Pam

JOHNNY APPLESEED - 2nd Grade reading level

In part one of our list of Johnny Appleseed books we took a look at the three easiest primers and gave some links to resources we thought you'd find handy. In part two, we continue with books that are at the Second Grade reading level.

**all ratings from GoodReads 
**all book links to Amazon.com

Johnny Appleseed
(Read-It! Readers)
by Eric Blair
Amy Bailey Muehlenhardt (Illustrator)

3.00  Stars from 4 GoodReaders

A retelling of the legend. One reviewer at GoodReads commented that some of the events were 'unbelievable'. Cannot confirm this one way or another, but this might be an opportunity to explain the differences between Fiction and Non-Fiction.

Common Core Aligned
Reading Information:
Word Count: 278
Page Count: 32
Accelerated Reader:  2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 140771
Lexile: 560L

Espanol : Cuentos Exagerados
Word Count: 289
Accelerated Reading level: 2.5 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 85669
Lexile: 530L


Johnny Appleseed: My Story
(Step-Into-Reading, Step 3)
by David L. Harrison
Mike Wohnoutka (Illus.)

3.65 avg rating — 57 ratings 

Besides being a practice reader, Harrison's Johnny Appleseed is also a great read-aloud. He gives us a story from the point of view of children on the frontier. When Johnny arrives everyone is excited to see John again and they invite him to dinner. The two children, Will and Beth, want John to tell them one of his stories, and he says 'sure', but not before he helps dad with the wood splitting.

When they do all settle down after dinner, Johnny tells of his own boisterous childhood. How he found relief from the noise of ten siblings! in the woods, and how the woods became a second home to him.

John then goes on to describe how he set off from Massachusetts to go west, and how he fell into apple planting by accident when a cider miller gave him free apple seeds.

The book covers the harsh winters in Pennsylvania and how John planted seeds there and in Indiana and Ohio too. (It does not talk about his death.)

read more of this review of here

Common Core Aligned
Word Count: 877
Page Count:  48
Accelerated Reader: 2.4 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 57572
Lexile: 200L
-- amazon (Sample pages and other reviews available)

Johnny Appleseed
(Jr. Graphic American Legends)
by Andrea P. Smith

Comic book-style illustrations are featured in this book

Word Count: 838
Page Count: 24
Accelerated Reader:  2.6 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 145920

Johnny Appleseed
(Rookie Biographies)
by Christin Ditchfield

3.87 avg rating — 15 ratings

This little book features lots of photographs and drawings and I really like it. It has an upbeat approach and it does a good job describing what an important figure John Chapman was in our country's early history. Ditchfield writes enthusiastically about how Chapman studied plants and animals when he was a youngster, and how he put that knowledge to work later in his life when he taught settlers in the Ohio Valley to plant and care for seedlings.

Those who object to any mention of religion might want to give it a pass as the author explains that besides plant knowledge, Johnny was welcome because he told great stories, and because he read from the Bible, his favorite book.

Appropriate for early elementary aged children.

Take a bit out of a big, juicy
apple. Inside you'll find a few
tiny black seeds.

Note: if you click on the excerpts, most browsers will show you an enlarged, readable version.

Word Count: 349
Page Count:  32
Accelerated Reading level: 2.6 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 86597
Lexile: 370L
-- amazon (samples pages available)

Books from Part I

compiled by Pam 
October 2015

MONARCH BUTTERFLIES - books at the 2nd Grade reading level

Monarch Butterflies are probably the butterfly that most children are familiar with.  It's bright vibrant colors make it easy to identify, and the fact that it makes such an amazing trip every year means that teachers like to make it a part of science units on migration and hibernation.

I thought the following map, which is borrowed from Wikipedia, was amazing, in that it showed the many places that Monarchs have been sited.  They are certainly more international than many of us think: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch_butterfly

Unusual locations include Australia and New Zealand, and Western Europe. They are regulars of the Canary Islands, the Azores, and Madeira.

**All ratings from GoodReads

KNUFFLE BUNNY reading levels

If MO WILLEMS can be said to have composed an epic tale, it would most assuredly be KNUFFLE BUNNY; a series that strikes right to heart of what it is love.

Children can identify with Trixie and her 'lovey'. Parents are touched by the stages of development that Mo re-invents and brings to life. We remember our own loved toys, and we are see this same affection in the children around us.

**Caldecott Honor (2005)**

KNUFFLE BUNNY:  A Cautionary Tale

**Starred Review** School Library Journal
**Starred Review** ALA BookList

4.27 Stars from 19,190 GoodReaders

So funny and so true! This series starts off as a regular trip to the laundromat for little Trixie, Daddy, and Knuffle Bunny. But events take a dramatic turn when Trixie finds out that somebunny was left behind when they get home.

Reading Information:
Word Count: 211
Page Count:  40
Accelerated Reading level: 1.6 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 82297
Lexile: 120L
--sample pages available

**Caldecott Honor (2008)**

KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO:  A Case of Mistaken Identity

4.25 rating – 11,136 GoodReaders

It's Show-and-Tell time at school and Trixie can't wait to share her one-of-a-kind Knuffle Bunny.  Only thing is that there's another girl with another Knuffle Bunny!

Matters get really out of hand and funny when the girls find out at bed time that they've mixed up their Knuffles and have the WRONG ONE!!!

Word Count: 374
Page Count:  48
Accelerated Reading level: 2.4 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 118677
Reading Counts:   4.3 / points:1.0
Lexile: AD690L
--sample pages available

KNUFFLE BUNNY FREE: An Unexpected Diversion
 
**Starred Review** ALA BookList

4.35 Stars from GoodReaders

Trixie and her family are off on a fantastic trip to visit her grandparents—all the way in Holland! But does Knuffle Bunny have different travel plans?

This one will have folks wiping their eyes.

Word Count: 628
Page Count:  52
Accelerated Reading level: 2.7 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 139483
 Lexile: AD530L
--sample pages available

compiled by GoodBooksforKids

HIP-HOP - books at the 2nd Grade reading level about Hip-Hop Musicians!

These little biographies from Gareth Stevens Publishing are all at the 2nd Grade reading level.  I created a list featuring them because I think it's important to provide a wide range of reading material to children so that they can discover that books aren't just about George Washington and seeds and hibernation, but also about topics that are of special interest to them.

These books contain no objectionable material, and take an upbeat approach to their subjects.  The albums and businesses that the stars have created are discussed, as well as some of the other stars that they have worked with.

All are 32 pages long. 

All have a glossary and index at the back.

And the ones that I have read have a table of contents at the beginning.

The format has full page color photos on right-hand pages, with simple, large text on the left. 

RIHANNA
by Ella Rose

4.5 Stars from 2 GoodReaders

This biography is the simplest on the list.  My local library doesn't have it on the shelves so I can't give specific recommendations.

Word Count: 362
Accelerated Reading level: 2.2 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148788


USHER
by Therese Shea

This is an excellent little biography for young readers.  When compared to the ALICIA KEYS book, it contains more text, as well as more actual biographical information.

Table of Contents:
Just Usher
Becoming a Star
Singing and Acting

Timeline
For More Information
Glossary
Index

I'll note that the timeline is NOT presented as a line, but rather as a list of years with summations of events related to that year.  Example: 1978  Usher Raymond IV is born on October 14 in Dallas, Texas.

It should also be noted that the 'more information' books are at a MUCH higher reading level: AR 6, 7, 8.

Here's some sample text, along with some sample pages.

Usher is the king of R&B music.
His full name is Usher Raymond IV.
The "IV" means "4".

Word Count: 288
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141492


QUEEN LATIFAH
by Michou Kennon

Word Count: 300
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141490  
  

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
by Max Q. Maimone

Word Count: 264
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141488

JAY-Z
by Roman P. Nacerous

This book about JAY-Z is similar to the one about USHER. It has more text --when compared to the Alicia Keys book- and it features more actual biographical information.  Generally, two lines per page.

Here's some sample text and pages:

At Def Jam, Jay-Z helped young
hip-hop artists. Rihanna was one of
Jay-Z's new Stars.

As you can see, the company names and star names are a bit challenging. But it's likely that children interested in these stars will quickly learn the names.

Word Count: 262
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141487  


BEYONCE
by Michou Kennon

4.2 Stars from 4 GoodReaders

Word Count: 248
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141486


ALICIA KEYS
by Molly Shea

Out of the three books that I was able to find and review, this one on Alicia Keys is my least favorite.  What I liked was that it was very simple, and simple can be good if a new reader is intimidated by a page full of text. 

What I didn't like was that there was little actual biographical information. And some of the information that was presented seemed unimportant and out of place.  Here's an example of what I mean:

Alicia's piano teacher was named
Miss Aziza.  Miss Aziza wrote songs.

Not a great book... but a useful one.  I would give it 3-Stars.

Word Count: 248
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141485


KANYE WEST
by Ethan Grucella

Word Count: 362
Accelerated Reading level: 2.4 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148787

  
BLACK EYED PEAS
by Molly Shea

4.6 Stars from 5 GoodReaders

Word Count: 280
Accelerated Reading level: 2.4 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141491


EMINEM
by Roman O'Sorus

3.75 Stars from 4 GoodReaders

Word Count: 361
Accelerated Reading level: 2.5 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148786 


DRAKE
by Robert Kennedy

Word Count: 359
Accelerated Reading level: 2.5 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148785


CIARA
by Maeve Griffin

Word Count: 312
Accelerated Reading level: 2.5 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148784


SNOOP DOGG
by Kevin Shea

Word Count: 380
Accelerated Reading level: 2.6 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148790


MARY J. BLIGE
by Sofia Z. Maimone

Word Count: 279
Accelerated Reading level: 2.6 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141489


compiled by Pam