Dolores and the big fire
Scholastic Inc. 2003
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- bravery
- loyalty
- family
- community helpers
- emergencies
- survival
- responsibility
About this book
When a late-night fire breaks out in her family’s building, a small dog named Dolores springs into action. This true story, told with clear, beginner-friendly text and lively illustrations, follows Dolores as she helps her people get to safety. Early readers will enjoy the suspense and the heroism of a brave pet, while parents will appreciate the simple vocabulary and short page count. Perfect for animal lovers and kids who enjoy real-life rescues.
Setting: a family’s apartment building in a city, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dolores and the big fire right for my child?
Yes — Dolores and the big fire 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 bravery, loyalty, family.
How long does it take to read Dolores and the big fire?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Dolores and the big fire takes around 5m to finish. The book has 600 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dolores and the big fire have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dolores and the big fire 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 Dolores and the big fire?
Dolores and the big fire 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.