Floaty
by John Himmelman
Henry Holt Books For Young Readers 2018
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
- empathy
- responsibility
- change of heart
- found family
- humor
- kindness
About this book
When a grumpy, solitary man discovers a mysterious dog that floats instead of walks, his quiet routine is turned upside down. As he learns how to care for the buoyant pup, the two form an unexpected bond that softens his prickly outlook. With playful humor and warm illustrations, this picture book celebrates friendship found in surprising places. Perfect for read‑alouds, it charms young listeners while gently highlighting empathy and responsibility.
Setting: a contemporary neighborhood and an old man's home
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Floaty right for my child?
Yes — Floaty 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 friendship, acceptance, empathy.
How long does it take to read Floaty?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Floaty takes around 5m to finish. The book has 600 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Floaty have an AR quiz?
Yes — Floaty 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 Floaty?
Floaty 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.