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Buz book cover

Buz

by Richard Egielski

Harper Collins 1999

★★★★★

Great fit for 2nd grade

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

2nd grade English Juvenile Fiction
36
Pages
0.5
AR Points
6m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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New York Times Best Illustrated BookPennsylvania Young Readers’ Choice Award

Genre

Humorous Fiction

Themes

  • humor
  • adventure
  • pursuit
  • health and illness
  • problem-solving
  • curiosity
  • perseverance

About this book

When a boy accidentally swallows a lively little bug named Buz with his cereal, two pill-shaped pursuers race through his body to catch the intruder. Bold, detailed illustrations turn the human body into a hilarious chase scene kids will pore over. Great for K–3 read-alouds, it blends giggles with a light science hook. Young readers love the slapstick humor, speedy plot, and all the tiny visual surprises on each page.

Setting: inside a young boy’s body and home, present day

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buz right for my child?

Yes — Buz is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.6, 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 humor, adventure, pursuit.

How long does it take to read Buz?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Buz takes around 6m to finish. The book has 750 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Buz have an AR quiz?

Yes — Buz 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 Buz?

Buz has an AR reading level of 2.6, 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.