A Friend for Mole
by Nancy Armo
National Geographic Books 2020
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- facing fears
- cooperation
- empathy
- courage
- problem-solving
- trust
- unlikely friendships
About this book
Mole loves the safety of his cozy burrow, but a venture to the surface leaves him overwhelmed by the bright, busy world. When night falls, he meets Wolf, who is just as worried about the dark as Mole is about the light. Leaning on each other, the two discover that friendship can make scary things feel smaller. Gentle art and a reassuring tone make this a warm read-aloud for preschool and early elementary readers about facing fears together.
Setting: a forest above Mole’s burrow, from night to dawn
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Friend for Mole right for my child?
Yes — A Friend for Mole is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.4, 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 friendship, facing fears, cooperation.
How long does it take to read A Friend for Mole?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, A Friend for Mole takes around 6m to finish. The book has 750 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Friend for Mole have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Friend for Mole 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 Friend for Mole?
A Friend for Mole has an AR reading level of 2.4, 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.