Skip to main content
The AR Booklist
Black cat book cover

Black cat

by Christopher Myers

Book Wholesalers 2002

Great fit for 2nd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

2nd grade English
0.5
AR Points
3m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.

Learn more about Accelerated Reading →
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor

Genre

Poetry

Themes

  • urban life
  • community
  • curiosity and exploration
  • identity and pride
  • observation and perspective
  • resilience
  • art and creativity

About this book

A sleek black cat prowls through a bustling city, guiding readers down alleys, over rooftops, and past murals and stoops to discover beauty in everyday urban life. Told in lyrical, rhythmic language with bold, expressive artwork, the book celebrates community, creativity, and seeing the world with curious eyes. Perfect for read-alouds, it helps young readers build vocabulary and visual literacy while enjoying the beat of the city. Great for K–3 kids who like poetry, cats, and picture books that feel alive with motion and color.

Setting: a contemporary urban neighborhood (inspired by Harlem, New York City)

Readers also enjoyed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Black cat right for my child?

Yes — Black cat 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 urban life, community, curiosity and exploration.

How long does it take to read Black cat?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Black cat takes around 3m to finish. The book has 350 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Black cat have an AR quiz?

Yes — Black cat 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 Black cat?

Black cat 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.