Dear Juno
by Soyung Pak
Viking 2001
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family bonds
- communication
- cross-cultural connection
- identity and heritage
- intergenerational relationships
- creativity and problem-solving
- letters and correspondence
About this book
Juno misses his grandmother, who lives far away in Korea, but they find a special way to share their lives through letters, drawings, and small treasures. This gentle picture book shows how love and creativity can bridge language and distance. It’s perfect for young readers who are beginning to explore family heritage and communication. Children enjoy the warm illustrations and the satisfying back-and-forth of real mail.
Setting: a contemporary American home and Juno’s grandmother’s home in Korea, connected through letters
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dear Juno right for my child?
Yes — Dear Juno is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.3, 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 bonds, communication, cross-cultural connection.
How long does it take to read Dear Juno?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Dear Juno takes around 6m to finish. The book has 700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dear Juno have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dear Juno 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 Dear Juno?
Dear Juno has an AR reading level of 2.3, 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.