Be Good to Eddie Lee
by Virginia Fleming
Tandem Library 2003
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- empathy
- friendship
- inclusion
- respect for differences
- kindness
- bullying and prejudice
- self-worth
- nature and discovery
About this book
Christy and her friend head to the pond to look for frog eggs, but their neighbor Eddie Lee—who has Down syndrome—follows along. As the afternoon unfolds, Christy learns to see Eddie’s curiosity and kindness in a new light. With warm, realistic art, this gentle story invites young readers to think about empathy and inclusion. It’s a great read-aloud for primary grades and families who enjoy nature outings and heartwarming friendships.
Setting: a small-town woods and pond on a summer day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Be Good to Eddie Lee right for my child?
Yes — Be Good to Eddie Lee 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 empathy, friendship, inclusion.
How long does it take to read Be Good to Eddie Lee?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Be Good to Eddie Lee takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Be Good to Eddie Lee have an AR quiz?
Yes — Be Good to Eddie Lee 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 Be Good to Eddie Lee?
Be Good to Eddie Lee 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.