First Day Jitters
by Julie Danneberg
Charlesbridge 2013
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- anxiety and reassurance
- new beginnings
- school life
- courage
- empathy
- humor
- confidence
- supportive relationships
About this book
Sarah Jane Hartwell has a serious case of nerves about starting at a new school—she’s sure it will be awful and would rather stay in bed. With gentle encouragement, she heads off to face the unknown and discovers that new beginnings aren’t so scary after all. This humorous, reassuring picture book is a favorite read-aloud for the first days of school, helping young readers see their own worries reflected and eased. Perfect for K–3 students who feel anxious about change and new classrooms.
Setting: a contemporary elementary school on the first day of the new year
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is First Day Jitters right for my child?
Yes — First Day Jitters 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 anxiety and reassurance, new beginnings, school life.
How long does it take to read First Day Jitters?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, First Day Jitters takes around 6m to finish. The book has 750 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does First Day Jitters have an AR quiz?
Yes — First Day Jitters 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 First Day Jitters?
First Day Jitters 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.