Angel child, dragon child
by Michele Maria Surat
Scholastic 1989
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- immigration
- cultural identity
- bullying and kindness
- family separation
- friendship
- empathy
- perseverance
- language barriers
About this book
When Ut moves from Vietnam to an American elementary school, everything feels strange—especially the language and the teasing from classmates who don’t understand her. She longs for the mother she left behind and struggles to fit in. With the support of a caring teacher and new friends, Ut begins to share her story and find her voice. This gentle, realistic picture book resonates with young readers navigating new places, cultures, and friendships.
Setting: an American elementary school, contemporary United States with memories of Vietnam
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Angel child, dragon child right for my child?
Yes — Angel child, dragon child is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.8, 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 immigration, cultural identity, bullying and kindness.
How long does it take to read Angel child, dragon child?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Angel child, dragon child takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Angel child, dragon child have an AR quiz?
Yes — Angel child, dragon child 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 Angel child, dragon child?
Angel child, dragon child has an AR reading level of 2.8, 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.