Blast to the past
by Scott Nickel
Stone Arch Books 2006
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- time travel
- friendship
- teamwork
- problem-solving
- responsibility
- curiosity
- adventure
About this book
This fast-paced, full-color graphic novel follows a pair of kids who accidentally trigger a time-travel device and land in the distant past. To get home, they have to think on their feet, work together, and make smart choices while dodging unexpected dangers. Simple text, dynamic art, and plenty of humor make it an inviting pick for newer readers who love adventure. It’s a fun way to spark curiosity about history and science without getting too technical.
Setting: a present-day school science setup and various moments in the past
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blast to the past right for my child?
Yes — Blast to the past 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 time travel, friendship, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Blast to the past?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Blast to the past takes around 17m to finish. The book has 2,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Blast to the past have an AR quiz?
Yes — Blast to the past 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 Blast to the past?
Blast to the past 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.