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Fish Face book cover

Fish Face

by Patricia Reilly Giff

Delacorte Books for Young Readers 1986

★★★★★

Great fit for 2nd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

2nd grade English Juvenile Fiction
84
Pages
1
AR Points
1.1h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • friendship
  • jealousy
  • honesty
  • forgiveness
  • competition
  • empathy
  • school life
  • new kid

About this book

Emily is excited to be the fastest runner in her class—until a confident new girl arrives and seems to beat her at everything, even taking Emily’s lucky unicorn. Set in a lively elementary classroom, the story explores the ups and downs of making friends and managing big feelings. With short chapters and plenty of school-day drama, it’s perfect for young readers moving into chapter books. Kids enjoy the familiar classroom setting, quick pace, and the relatable mix of competition and kindness.

Setting: an elementary school classroom and playground in a contemporary suburban setting

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fish Face right for my child?

Yes — Fish Face is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.6, 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, jealousy, honesty.

How long does it take to read Fish Face?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Fish Face takes around 1.1h to finish. The book has 7,600 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Fish Face have an AR quiz?

Yes — Fish Face has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Fish Face?

Fish Face has an AR reading level of 2.6, 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.