Duck and cover
Scholastic 2009
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- acceptance
- not judging by appearances
- teamwork
- community
- helping others
- belonging
About this book
Max the duck and his bustling household take in a nervous, toothy newcomer who needs a safe place to hide. Keeping a large reptile out of sight isn’t easy, and the gang’s slapstick attempts lead to plenty of laughs. Along the way, they learn not to judge by appearances and what it means to be a good friend. A lively read‑aloud for young listeners who enjoy silly animal antics with a warm heart.
Setting: a busy household in a city neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duck and cover right for my child?
Yes — Duck and cover is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.5, 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 friendship, acceptance, not judging by appearances.
How long does it take to read Duck and cover?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Duck and cover takes around 8m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Duck and cover have an AR quiz?
Yes — Duck and cover 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 Duck and cover?
Duck and cover has an AR reading level of 2.5, 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.