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The AR Booklist
For always book cover

For always

by Eve Bunting

Globe Fearon 1984

Great fit for 2nd grade

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

2nd grade English
37
Pages
0.5
AR Points
8m
Read time
AR Quiz Available
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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • adoption
  • family love
  • belonging
  • trust
  • healing from the past
  • reassurance
  • new beginnings

About this book

A gentle, reassuring story about a young boy who has found a new family and wonders if he will be loved and kept "for always." Through quiet moments at home, his parents show him that families are built on love, not just beginnings. Eve Bunting’s warm text and comforting tone make this a helpful read for children experiencing adoption, foster care, or family changes. Perfect for shared reading and sensitive conversations with young kids.

Setting: contemporary home and neighborhood

Frequently Asked Questions

Is For always right for my child?

Yes — For always 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 adoption, family love, belonging.

How long does it take to read For always?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, For always takes around 8m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does For always have an AR quiz?

Yes — For always 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 For always?

For always 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.