Good-bye, Curtis
by Kevin Henkes
Greenwillow Books 1995
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- community
- change and transition
- gratitude
- kindness
- friendship and neighbors
- feelings
- celebration
- respect for everyday helpers
About this book
When the neighborhood mail carrier, Curtis, makes his last round before retirement, a young boy and his neighbors find a heartfelt way to say good-bye. Through simple moments on a familiar route, the story celebrates everyday heroes and the routines that shape a community. Kevin Henkes’s warm, gentle text and art capture big feelings about change in a comforting, child-friendly way. Perfect for young readers who are learning about gratitude and transitions.
Setting: a contemporary suburban neighborhood on a mail carrier’s last day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Good-bye, Curtis right for my child?
Yes — Good-bye, Curtis 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 community, change and transition, gratitude.
How long does it take to read Good-bye, Curtis?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Good-bye, Curtis takes around 6m to finish. The book has 700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Good-bye, Curtis have an AR quiz?
Yes — Good-bye, Curtis 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 Good-bye, Curtis?
Good-bye, Curtis 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.