Earl the Squirrel
by don freeman
scholastic 2005
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- independence
- perseverance
- problem-solving
- parent-child relationships
- self-reliance
- nature
- friendship
- confidence
About this book
Earl is a young squirrel who’s ready to prove he can find acorns all by himself. With witty, vintage artwork and playful language, Don Freeman follows Earl’s small missteps and big courage on a crisp autumn day. The simple, rhythmic text makes it a warm read‑aloud for preschool and early elementary listeners. Kids enjoy Earl’s determination, gentle humor, and the satisfying feel of doing something on their own.
Setting: a wooded park and forest in autumn
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Earl the Squirrel right for my child?
Yes — Earl the Squirrel is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.4, 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 independence, perseverance, problem-solving.
How long does it take to read Earl the Squirrel?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Earl the Squirrel takes around 7m to finish. The book has 800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Earl the Squirrel have an AR quiz?
Yes — Earl the Squirrel 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 Earl the Squirrel?
Earl the Squirrel has an AR reading level of 2.4, 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.