Harry & Hopper
Scholastic 2009
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- grief and loss
- love between child and pet
- healing and acceptance
- memory and remembrance
- family support
- resilience
- saying goodbye
About this book
Harry adores his dog, Hopper, and the two are inseparable—until a sudden loss leaves Harry heartbroken. With gentle, lyrical text and tender illustrations, the story follows a boy learning to cope with grief and hold on to love through memories and dreams. It’s a compassionate picture book that helps children process big feelings in a safe, reassuring way. Ideal for family read-alouds and classroom conversations about loss and healing.
Setting: contemporary suburban Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harry & Hopper right for my child?
Yes — Harry & Hopper is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.7, 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 grief and loss, love between child and pet, healing and acceptance.
How long does it take to read Harry & Hopper?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Harry & Hopper takes around 6m to finish. The book has 700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Harry & Hopper have an AR quiz?
Yes — Harry & Hopper 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 Harry & Hopper?
Harry & Hopper has an AR reading level of 2.7, 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.