Bringing in the New Year
by Grace Lin
Dragonfly Books 2008
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family
- cultural traditions
- celebration
- community
- identity
- new beginnings
- good luck and prosperity
About this book
A young Chinese American family prepares for Lunar New Year by cleaning the house, making dumplings, hanging decorations, and welcoming good luck. With bright, festive art and simple, rhythmic text, Grace Lin introduces key traditions like red envelopes, lion dances, and fireworks. It’s a warm, joyful read-aloud that helps younger readers understand the holiday and feel the excitement of a fresh start. Perfect for preschool through early elementary students and families celebrating or learning about Chinese New Year.
Setting: a Chinese American family’s home and community during Lunar New Year
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bringing in the New Year right for my child?
Yes — Bringing in the New Year 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 family, cultural traditions, celebration.
How long does it take to read Bringing in the New Year?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Bringing in the New Year takes around 5m to finish. The book has 550 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Bringing in the New Year have an AR quiz?
Yes — Bringing in the New Year 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 Bringing in the New Year?
Bringing in the New Year 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.