A Box of Friends
Brighter Child 2003
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- moving to a new home
- friendship
- memory and keepsakes
- coping with change
- family support
- resilience
- emotions
About this book
A young girl copes with moving to a new home by creating a special memory box filled with notes, photos, and little treasures from the friends she left behind. Gentle, expressive watercolors capture her feelings as she finds comfort in her keepsakes and slowly begins to feel at home. This warm, reassuring picture book speaks to children experiencing change and separation. It’s perfect for early elementary readers who enjoy heartfelt stories about friendship and new beginnings.
Setting: a contemporary suburban neighborhood and the girl's new home
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Box of Friends right for my child?
Yes — A Box of Friends is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.9, which is typical for 2nd 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 moving to a new home, friendship, memory and keepsakes.
How long does it take to read A Box of Friends?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, A Box of Friends takes around 5m to finish. The book has 650 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Box of Friends have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Box of Friends 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 A Box of Friends?
A Box of Friends has an AR reading level of 2.9, which places it at a 2nd 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.