Fly Away Home
by Eve Bunting
Tandem Library 1999
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- homelessness
- family
- resilience
- hope
- empathy
- dignity
- survival
- community
About this book
A young boy and his father quietly make their home in a busy airport, doing their best to stay unnoticed while dreaming of a place of their own. Through the boy’s observant voice, readers see small acts of kindness, everyday challenges, and the hope that keeps them going. This moving picture book is ideal for read-alouds and thoughtful discussions about empathy and homelessness. Perfect for younger readers and families who want a gentle, age-appropriate way to explore real-world issues.
Setting: a busy modern-day airport in a large American city
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fly Away Home right for my child?
Yes — Fly Away Home is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.8, 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 homelessness, family, resilience.
How long does it take to read Fly Away Home?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Fly Away Home takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Fly Away Home have an AR quiz?
Yes — Fly Away Home 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 Fly Away Home?
Fly Away Home has an AR reading level of 2.8, 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.