Skip to main content
The AR Booklist
Brave Norman book cover

Brave Norman

A True Story

by Andrew Clements

Simon Spotlight 2014

Great fit for 2nd grade

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

2nd grade English
32
Pages
0.5
AR Points
5m
Read time
AR Quiz Available
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop.org

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 →

Genre

Nonfiction

Themes

  • bravery
  • disability and resilience
  • heroism
  • empathy
  • perseverance
  • animals/pets
  • community/helping others

About this book

This true story follows Norman, a lovable dog who is blind but brave. During a trip to the beach, he hears someone in trouble and listens with his heart to figure out what to do. With clear, simple text and photo illustrations, the book shows how determination and courage can make a difference. It’s a feel-good read for emerging readers who enjoy real animal heroes.

Setting: a seaside beach, present day

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brave Norman right for my child?

Yes — Brave Norman is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.2, 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 bravery, disability and resilience, heroism.

How long does it take to read Brave Norman?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Brave Norman takes around 5m to finish. The book has 650 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Brave Norman have an AR quiz?

Yes — Brave Norman 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 Brave Norman?

Brave Norman has an AR reading level of 2.2, 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.