Big bushy mustache
by Gary Soto
Walker 1998
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- family bonds
- self-confidence
- cultural pride
- school life
- humor
- problem-solving
About this book
A young boy longs to have a mustache as grand as his dad’s and finds a way to try one on for size. When a school costume mustache leads to unexpected mishaps, he learns about confidence, family support, and being comfortable with who you are. With warm humor and lively illustrations, this picture book celebrates cultural pride and everyday family life. Great for read-alouds and early independent readers in K–3.
Setting: contemporary urban neighborhood and elementary school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big bushy mustache right for my child?
Yes — Big bushy mustache is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.7, 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 identity, family bonds, self-confidence.
How long does it take to read Big bushy mustache?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Big bushy mustache takes around 7m to finish. The book has 800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Big bushy mustache have an AR quiz?
Yes — Big bushy mustache 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 Big bushy mustache?
Big bushy mustache has an AR reading level of 2.7, 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.