Arthur's first kiss
by Marc Brown
Random House 2001
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- growing up
- embarrassment
- first crush
- peer pressure
- self-confidence
- humor
About this book
Arthur faces the awkward topic of a first kiss, and he’s not sure how he feels about it. With help (and teasing) from friends, he learns that growing up brings new and sometimes funny situations. Simple sentences, familiar characters, and gentle humor make this a comforting choice for emerging readers. Fans of the TV show will enjoy seeing Arthur navigate feelings and friendships in a kid-friendly way.
Setting: Elwood City elementary school and neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arthur's first kiss right for my child?
Yes — Arthur's first kiss is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.2, 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, growing up, embarrassment.
How long does it take to read Arthur's first kiss?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Arthur's first kiss takes around 5m to finish. The book has 650 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Arthur's first kiss have an AR quiz?
Yes — Arthur's first kiss 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 Arthur's first kiss?
Arthur's first kiss has an AR reading level of 2.2, 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.