Bad Hair Day
by Susan Hood
Penguin 1999
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- self-acceptance
- confidence
- family
- embarrassment
- resilience
- problem-solving
- appearance and identity
- humor
About this book
When a well-meaning mom gives her daughter a home haircut that goes hilariously wrong, the little girl is sure she’ll be hiding under a hat forever. A trip to the beauty parlor shows her she’s not alone—everyone has hair mishaps sometimes. With a stylist’s help and a boost of confidence, she discovers a fresh new look and a braver outlook. This cheerful picture book reassures young readers and makes them laugh about everyday worries.
Setting: contemporary home and neighborhood beauty salon
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bad Hair Day right for my child?
Yes — Bad Hair Day is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.3, 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 self-acceptance, confidence, family.
How long does it take to read Bad Hair Day?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Bad Hair Day takes around 6m to finish. The book has 700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Bad Hair Day have an AR quiz?
Yes — Bad Hair Day 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 Bad Hair Day?
Bad Hair Day has an AR reading level of 2.3, 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.